Youth Service 2021-22 | District 5495

District 5495 Youth Services News

Clubs encouraged to support 2027 RYLA Camp

To all District 5495 clubs:

I hope this message finds you well! Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Zuri Torres and I am the new Chairperson of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp for the 2027-29 term.

It is with enthusiasm and honor that I step into this position to serve a leadership camp that not only has made an impact on thousands of youth within our Arizona communities, but changed my life as a teenager as well. I am a product of this incredible camp - having been a Delegate, Junior Counselor, Luke Lewis Award recipient, Adult Mentor, Committee Member and now Chair. Overall, I have around 15 years of RYLA magic in my wheelhouse.

With dynamic leadership workshops, team building exercises, cross cultural connections and more, RYLA continues to be a place where young leaders are empowered to take the principles of Rotary and create lasting change in not only our state, but the world.

I am asking for clubs, like your own, to invest in RYLA by providing scholarships for those in our district. With the support of the clubs in our district, we hope to host over 140 high school students on January 15-18, 2027 at Camp Pinerock in Prescott. These delegates are the future of Rotary; I am proof of it.

Now, the details.

The cost of a delegate scholarship is $450; this covers a delegate's dorm assignment, meals for the whole weekend, a RYLA hoodie and participation in camp activities. The cost is based on the number of estimated delegates and includes our district’s Rotary Youth Exchange students who will be registered as delegates.

How to submit scholarship funds:

To pay electronically, please use Zelle and use collectryla@rotary5495.org as the contact.
Please make any checks payable to Rotary District 5495 RYLA and mail them to:

Rotary District 5495
Attn: RYLA
4747 E. Elliot Rd. #29-467
Phoenix, AZ 85044

Please let me or our current RYLA Treasurer, AJ Sheridan (a.jim.sheridan.4@gmail.com), know how many scholarships (or total funds) your club is intending on providing no later than Aug. 15. This will allow our committee to plan based on expected contributions.

If your club or any individual members are interested in supporting RYLA beyond scholarships, we have an Amazon registry list available. This list includes items that need to be replaced in our inventory due to wear and tear or would help our committee enhance the RYLA experience!

All clubs and donors will be recognized during RYLA in January and on our social media platforms and newsletter.

Please do not hesitate to contact me or AJ with any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you to help make this another amazing RYLA for all!

Yours in Service,

Zuri Torres

RYLA 5495 Chairperson, 2027-29

chair@5495ryla.com

Jr. RYLA teaches Arizona youth about leadership, service and kindness

By Sophia Brown

Most Rotarians have heard of or been to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) which happens every January for high school students.

However, there is another Rotary youth camp that runs in the summer: Jr. RYLA at Camp Wamatochick. Taking place just a little bit ago from June 10 to June 13, Jr. RYLA is a RYLA camp for middle schoolers supported by Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 5495.

Rotary Clubs sponsor youth to attend this camp, making the camp free for all to attend. Jr. RYLA is put together by a volunteer committee, where Brianna Rodriguez, a recent graduate from ASU, has been volunteering her time for the past five years. Brianna has risen up to become the Counselor Coordinator, managing all the junior counselors, mentors, speakers, in addition to this year's curriculum for the camp, among many other tasks.

Brianna spoke to the impact of the camp on the youth who attend, saying “as the Counselor Coordinator, I am able to witness the enormous impact that Junior Counselors and Adult Mentors have on middle school youth, by helping them grow into who they want to become.” She adds how she witnesses “everyone, no matter their position at camp, grow their personal leadership skills.”

Brianna is not the only one who recognizes the impact of camp, junior counselors Jilly Schear and Grace Duarte note the importance of camp as well. Jilly says “Jr. RYLA was an experience I will never forget because I learned so many leadership skills, and the team activities benefited each and every person.” Grace adds onto this saying, “I truly grew as a leader…and learned from my incredible delegates who I saw change and grow more confident throughout the camp!”

Jr. RYLA puts on many activities for the campers including a Confidence Course (an obstacle course helping promote teamwork and self-confidence) and What is your Why (helping campers figure out what they are passionate about). These activities would not be possible without all the volunteers who give up their time to come to Prescott and put on this camp.

Youth Corp leader Liz Magallanes-Holguin reflects on how “at Jr. RYLA, no matter what role you hold, we are all here to grow and learn from one another…It is more than just a camp. It is a place where leadership never stops developing, where lifelong connections are built, and where experiences continue to shape the people we become long after camp ends.”

If you are interested in volunteering with Jr. RYLA, please contact 5495jrryla@gmail.com. Every act of service makes a difference.

Prescott Sunup Rotarians continue to support Junior RYLA

After helping to launch the JR RYLA program years ago with one of the two Founders' Donations and assisting in organizing this dynamic leadership training camp for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, Prescott Sunup Rotary members continue to volunteer their time and abilities each year to contribute to the success of the program.

From its inception, our JR RYLA has been held at Camp Wamatochick, located six miles south of Prescott on Senator Highway, in the tall pines of Prescott National Forest.

Josh and Clent Walker instructing the archery course each year.

A.J. Sheridan reviewing with the campers lessons they learned from their team experiences on the Confidence Course.

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes names 2026 Educator of the Year

Submitted by: Dr. Honora A. Norton. RCSL Public Image Director

The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) reviewed applications for its annual RCSL Sandy Lundberg "Educator of the Year" Scholarship. After RCSL's review of Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) applications, three teachers were selected to give presentations at a RCSL meeting. The presentations were scored by RCSL judges - addressing teacher's experiences; leadership achievements; relationships with students, parents and families; volunteer activities; letters of recommendation; and promotion of Rotary ideals.

Kim Alvin Delara, 2nd grade teacher at CUSD Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School was selected RCSL The Sandy Lundberg Educator of the Year ($2,000 scholarship). Runner-up teachers ($500 Scholarships) were: Savannah Menger, English Teacher at CUSD Hamilton High School and Lynda Fredickson, Education Professions Teacher at CUSD Casteel High School. RCSL thanks Earnhardt Auto Centers for sponsoring the scholarships.

The scholarships were established in 2017 as a prestigious annual awards. Their purpose is to demonstrate RCSL's continuing commitment to the Chandler Unified School District - its educational objectives and the educators who work so diligently and professionally to achieve those objectives.

Per RCSL Education Program Lead Rebecca Kerr, in May 2018, the first Award was presented to Sandy Lundberg, the principal of the newly opened Casteel High School. Sandy was an active RCSL member, in which she provided the same energy to RCSL endeavors as she did to her profession. Her passion for children and community shone through whatever she did. Due to Sandy’s untimely passing, RCSL proudly named the award - The Sandy Lundberg Educator of the Year Award.

Photo above: L-R: Debbie Bailey (judge), Ed Anderson (RCSL Club President), Rebecca Kerr, Kim Alvin DeLara, Jon Lyons (RCSL representing Earnhardt Auto Centers), Savannah Menger, Principal Mark Munoz representing Lynda Fredrickson, Dr. Salina Bednarek (judge), Roger Edmonds (judge), and Dr. Diane Bruening (judge)

Sedona Village Rotary celebrates transformative year of youth service

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village celebrated a year of impactful youth service during its May 7 meeting, highlighting leadership programs, scholarships, theatre experiences and international exchange opportunities that benefited local students and families.

One parent shared how Rotary programs profoundly affected their family:

“It was really the most incredible experience hosting exchange student Samuel Knigge. It was really good for our daughter, too. She seems like a different person ever since RYLA (Rotary’s leadership camp). Rotary has been such an amazing influence on all our lives. Thank you, really, from the bottom of our hearts.”

The Youth Services Team began the Rotary year by hosting Missoula Children’s Theatre in July 2025, serving 55 youth actors and an audience of 269 attendees. The production is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Sedona Village, Sedona Community Library and Sedona Parks and Recreation.

Exchange student Samuel Knigge arrived from Norway before the school year and spent a busy year in Sedona through Rotary Youth Exchange. He lived with three host families, played four high school sports and participated in Rotary-sponsored trips and leadership activities, describing the experience as unforgettable.

Village Rotary also continued mentoring the Sedona Red Rock High School Interact Club, whose 50 student members completed 464 hours of community service through more than 18 projects.

In partnership with Sedona Rotary and Red Rocks Rotary, the club sent 15 students to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in Prescott. Students returned with increased confidence, leadership skills and a stronger commitment to service. No other school in Rotary District 5495 sends as many students to RYLA.

In March, 13 Rotarians and community volunteers taught Life Skills Classes for 161 middle school students on topics including first aid, entrepreneurship, financial planning and conflict resolution. Due to the program’s success, the school requested its return next year.

This summer, nine students will attend specialized camps through Rotary scholarships, including soccer, ballet, music and cross-country training programs. Additional scholarships will support Parks and Recreation camps, and Fernando Quisumbing will attend the Sister Cities Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.

Club members also assisted with the launch of a Lunches Out of Landfills program at West Sedona School and plan to expand it next year to the middle school. Village Rotary will additionally support local students attending Junior RYLA this summer.

To ensure student safety, the club has implemented Youth Protection Protocols requiring Rotarians who work frequently with youth to complete background checks and online safety training designed to promote awareness and proactive youth protection measures.

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village welcomes visitors and new members interested in supporting local youth. Meetings are held at the Big Park School Sedona Community Library on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:30 a.m., moving to 8 a.m. beginning in July.

For more information, contact president@SedonaVillageRotary.org. All are welcome!

Photo: Rotary Norwegian exchange student Samuel Knigge (middle) with representatives of his host families: (left to right) Jennette Bill, Trinity Montague, Marlee Zapata, David Bill and Tommy Sturgeon

Sun Lakes Rotary supports Chandler High School counselors

Submitted by: Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director

The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) supports the counselors at Chandler Unified School District Chandler High School with money to purchase water bottles, snacks and light meals for students who are receiving counseling during lunch, new student enrollments at lunch, or for those experiencing a crisis. The counselors previously were purchasing these items with their own money. See www.sunlakesrotary.com.

Photo—L-R: RCSL Peacebuilder Committee members Kandi Skrabala, Chandler High School Principal Greg Milbrandt, Assistant Principal Jennifer de la Torre, Lead Counselor Tira Ortiz, Stan Klein, Dr. Diane Bruening and Ann Diamond.

Rotary Club of Sedona Village awards over $6,000 in summer camp scholarships

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village is proud to announce that it awarded $6,415 in summer camp scholarships to several local families. This benefits nine students from SRRHs and SRRJH. Scholarships were awarded up to $750 each which allows students to attend overnight camps or weeklong extensive training.

Students will be attending a variety of camps including NAU Sports and Music Camps, Sedona Dance Academy, and Los Angeles Joffrey Ballet School.

Anya Huard, recipient of a scholarship to Sedona Dance Academy expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you so much for this opportunity. I am infinitely grateful.” Roxanne, mother of student, Harper Holland, exclaimed, “Thank you for this great news. We appreciate what the Village Rotary Club does for our community.”

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village’s dedicated youth services committee has a proven track record of working for the benefit of area youth. Rotarian Holly Johnson and the Summer Scholarship Team organized this year's scholarship program.

A Village Rotary Club donor and the Sedona Sister Cities Association are also funding a local student, Fernando Quisumbing, to attend the Sister Cities International Leadership Summit in Washington DC.

Above photo: left to right: Jennette Bill, Fernando Quisumbing, Jasmyn Jackson, Kasin Burke, Luke Metzger, David Branch, Teddy Arzimendi, Anya Heard, June Spielman, Phoebe Jones, Holly Johnson, Del Rae Cruzen

Absent from the photo. Harper Holland

Rotary Club of Scottsdale supports student success

From its beginning in 1954 the Rotary Club of Scottsdale has been dedicated to Scottsdale student success. For the past 72 years the club has awarded scholarships to Scottsdale’s graduating high school students, enabling and encouraging them to pursue their further education and skills development.

That commitment to local students has been creatively expanded this year. Rotary is known worldwide for having “boots on the ground,” members who are willing and able to contribute their time and energy, not just money, to student education. The focus is on complementing the classroom education with activities that help motivate student achievement.

Scottsdale Rotary recently sponsored Jazz in the Courtyard at Coronado High School at noon. As students had lunch, they also enjoyed live jazz by William “Doc” Jones and his band. Five students of the Coronado Jazz Band were invited to join with these professionals, making the event even more special. It was a fun day to be at school.

A few days later, Rotary sponsored lunch and an essay awards ceremony at Coronado High School. Attending were thirty English class students who had submitted essays on the moral value that best guides and defines who they are. Students had written essays on respect, empathy, ambition, honesty, the Golden Rule, being a better person, and treating others with dignity.

Rotarians read and selected eight finalists. Community leaders chose the top six who received cash prizes and certificates of achievement from Cornado Principal Melinda Splitek.

In the Fall of 2025, Rotarians and school district administrations conducted a Future Ready conference at Chaparral High School. Participating were 450 students who selected and attended classes on resume building, dressing for success, and entrepreneurship, as well as engineering, architecture, construction, psychology, and hospitality careers. This focus on mentoring students by Rotary continued this spring. Rotarian Tom Mayer chaired a panel discussion by Rotarians on real estate, entrepreneurship, presentation skills, and networking to a Coronado dual-credit class with Scottsdale Community College.

Saguaro High School invited Rotarian Max Rumbaugh to speak to the first-level engineering classes. Rumbaugh spoke about the education needed for careers in engineering. He noted that such careers can include vocational training as technicians as well as academic education for engineers.

The club members are currently preparing to interview graduating seniors for its annual scholarship program. Some $70,000 of scholarships will be available in fields such as the arts, performing arts, engineering, vocational training, first responder training and athletics. The scholarship winners and their families will be recognized at a weekly Rotary meeting in May.
Plans are already underway to continue these cooperative activities with Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) teachers, administrators, and students next year.