RYLA Youth Report

TODAY IN ROTARY members of SGR were treated to an after action report from those amazing young women who attended RYLA in late September.  Taverie Coleman, Kaylee Simmons attended for the first time, while Michael Isom returned for the 5^th time as a RYLA alum.

Taverie, the granddaughter of Jim Coleman, admitted she had not adequately prepared for RYLA but learned a great deal about herself and others while learning to “embrace other cultures” as well as about how her fear of failing prevents her from fully experiencing life because of her perfectionist personality.  She came home determined to conduct a “purple pinkies” fundraiser at Desert Hills High School where she attends.  Today she has already earned $30 from her efforts, which will be matched by SGR and matched again by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, bringing her total – even if she doesn’t raise anymore – to $180 – enough to inoculate 360 children.  “I’m already making a difference in the world,” she noted gleefully!

Kaylee Simmons, who delivered her message extemporaneously – and well – spoke of how much she had learned thru her experience at RYLA.  She, too, was impacted favorably by the culture walk and was particularly touched by the presentation on heros by Craig Hymas.  She encouraged her younger classmates to attend RYLA next year and hopes to make a difference as a member of the Dixie High School Interact Club.

Michael Isom, son of Richard Isom and a fulltime student at Southern Utah University, expressed his enthusiasm for RYLA, both as a first timer and as an alumni facilitator. 

DSU’s Rotaract president Rashe Elliott noted his is the 2^nd largest service club on campus with 58 members who most recently provided volunteer support for the St. George Marathon and ongoing support to Switchpointe.

For more information, contact SGR’s New Generations Chair Malissa Kelsch.