From June 10 to June 14, aspiring leaders from various regions of Middle and West Tennessee convened at Austin Peay State University to take part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, an initiative backed by Rotary District 6760. Among the participants were five students sponsored by the Lawrenceburg Rotary Club: Olivia McDaniel, Annaliese Kephart, Addison Armbruster, Tristan Pigg, and Easton Goolsby. During a meeting held on Friday, July 18, 2025, Rotarian Stacie Odeneal had the honor of introducing Olivia and Annaliese to the club.
The RYLA program is a rigorous five-day leadership training experience organized by Rotary clubs, aimed at nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. High school juniors and seniors are selected for this opportunity based on their leadership potential, academic success, and dedication to community service, receiving scholarships from their local Rotary Clubs to attend. This year, a total of 67 students successfully completed the program, supported by a committed staff of 17 members.
Participants, affectionately referred to as “RYLAtarians,” engaged in a comprehensive array of developmental activities. These included personal assessments, communication skills exercises, planning for team service projects, and delivering group presentations. A highlight of the program was a challenging high ropes course designed to foster trust, teamwork, and self-confidence among the students. Throughout the week, participants also focused on setting goals that would guide their future leadership journeys.
The RYLA experience aims to inspire students to take initiative, forge meaningful connections with their peers, and appreciate the significance of ethical leadership and community service. By the end of the program, participants gain a more profound understanding of their own strengths and the potential they possess to make a positive impact in their communities.
Rotary District 6760, along with its affiliated clubs, remains dedicated to empowering youth through leadership development and service initiatives. The guiding principle of “Service Above Self” is central to the RYLA experience, reinforcing the importance of giving back to the community.
In the accompanying photo, Lawrenceburg RYLAtarians Olivia McDaniel and Annaliese Kephart are seen alongside Rotarian Stacie Odeneal, capturing a moment from their transformative experience.