Austin Head, Senior at Atlanta High School

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an “intensive” leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where one develops skills as a leader while having fun and making connections, according to the club’s website, and events are organized locally by Rotary clubs and districts for participants ages 14-30.

Depending on community needs, RYLA may take the form of a one-day seminar, three-day retreat or weeklong camp. Typically, events last 3-10 days and include presentations, activities and workshops covering a variety of topics. According to Fern Porter of

According to Fern Porter of Atlanta Area Rotary Club, high school students in Rotary District 5830 gather at a Boy Scout camp near Athens for a three-day event in February each year and are selected by their counselors.

Atlanta High School senior, Austin Head, attended an event in February and recently shared his RYLA experience:

Q:What were you expecting from this RYLA weekend?

A: I was expecting for it to be a normal sit down and listen to seminars, and stay the night kind of Leadership Camp. But, it was so much more than that. It was an experience I will never forget in my life.

Q: Had you met the other local students (from other county schools) before going?

A: I had seen a few of them previously for other school functions, such as band or UIL.

Q: Do your keep in touch with them…or with your new group at RYLA?

A: I am still in a group chat with all of the people I went on the trip with from our county area, and a group chat for my group when I was there.

Q: What was your name at RYLA?

A: Schmit

Q: Why was this name important?

A: This was the name of a character that is in a TV show that I love watching called, “New Girl”, and this character emulated a symbol of confidence that I strive for in everyday life.

Q: What was the most challenging part of the RYLA experience?

A: I would have to say the most challenging portion of the RYLA experience was being so open and welcomed by people I had only just met. I would say that is the most welcome I have felt in any situation in my life.

Q: How has this experience impacted you after you came home?

A: It has made me aware that to be confident in the hobbies and activities I chose to do, I must first be confident in myself. Since that weekend I have experienced what it is like to be confident in myself, and to know who I am so that I can show others that.

Q: What have you changed in your interactions with others at your school?

A: I have started being respectful of the people around me, and started being more open

A: I have started being respectful of the people around me, and started being more open to help others regardless of who they are or how long I have known them.

Q: How do you think your future will be impacted by this RYLA experience?

A: Absolutely, the RYLA experience has changed me in so many ways mentally for the better. I believe this experience will help guide me through whatever I do in life no matter the path I choose.

Q: What changes have your parents seen since this experience?

A: If I had to speak for my parents, I would have to say they have seen me become confident in myself, and more open to help others both in their activities that they choose to do and help them mentally with whatever they are going through in life. In the end, we are all in this till the end, and I should do what I can for myself and others in the meantime.