On November 19th, 2023, the second annual RYLA Coordinator Summit was held to discuss strategies for Rotary Clubs across District 7780 to effectively identify and recruit youth leaders in the area. Without the assistance of each club’s RYLA Coordinator, our camp would struggle to reach the volume of students that it does, and to select those that may benefit the most from the experience of RYLA.
These coordinators work tirelessly to not only find students but to emphasize the importance of providing scholarships and funding for the program. We thank each and every one of you. In the year that has passed since our inaugural Summit, there was one coordinator in particular that was deserving of special recognition for the dedication and prowess that she showed in her duties.
Holding the position of RYLA Coordinator comes with various responsibilities, and throughout the year we held information sessions to further aid in the camper registration process. Kathi Perkins, of the Westbrook – Gorham Rotary Club, attended every single one of our meetings with an upbeat attitude and passion for the RYLA program. She then took the initiative back to her Westbrook and Gorham community, raising funds alongside her club and sending an impressive 12 sophomores and two staff members to Camp Hinds for RYLA 2022 & 2023.
Kathi Perkins, we thank you for your service to your community and the RYLA program. You are an exemplary example of a Rotarian and a deserving recipient of RYLA Coordinator of the Year.