Leadership Program Provides Inspiration for Youths in SE PA
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Newly revamped Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program received rave reviews student leaders.
Sometimes you need some inspiration.
Look no further than to the 2026 Rotary Southeastern PA Rotary Youth Leadership Awards student leaders that met on Saturday March 7, at the Penn State Great Valley! This new one-day immersive seminar was equally balanced with fun, self-evaluation, teamwork and life lessons!
Tenth grade students from across the Philadelphia region started their day with a morning stretch with Marty Kenny of the Weekly Fight who supports veterans through friendship and fitness to prevent suicide. Students were then led by Kristen McGee of Ann’s Heart in Phoenixville to create their own personal mission statement and understand that it can change through the course of their lives. Then Lauren Feldman, founder of Oliver Rocks, shared her story of celebrating Oliver’s life, her son who died at 17 from cancer. Students rolled up their sleeves and got creative painting rocks that bring nature, joy and art together!!
An abridged Meyers Briggs test followed and discerned their Personality Type based on personality traits. A discussion ensued regarding what career choices they want and careers to consider based on their “type”. The takeaway included better understanding of leadership styles and working more effectively in a team as they become mindful of their approach to completing a project or task.
Andy Phillips then captivated our student leaders with his story of dreaming big and pivoting bigger as he pursued his NFL career. Despite roadblocks, injuries, and then being cut, he still is connected through pod casting, hosting pregame shows and writing!! Sometimes living your dream isn’t the dream you thought it was going to be! Molly Watson explored personal and professional branding with our students and the impact of our online activity now or later in life, from a budding relationship to a potential job offer!!
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards for 2026
While the day was long many commented on how fast the day had gone so far!! The TikTok Challenge reenergized the teams as they created original, persuasive and trendy videos for LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok targeting sponsors, parents, teachers and peers and promoting RYLA participation!!
While judges determined the winner of the coveted GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) trophies and Olympic style gold GOAT metals, a compilation video of the entire day with students, the activities, speakers, food and fun to upbeat music played; students laughed and cheered!
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards attendees at Penn State Great Valley campus.
These accomplished students received a Certificate of Completion which stated “Understood the Assignment…Left No Crumbs”! The winning GOAT Team was announced and celebrated, cell phone and social media connections were exchanged and everyone left with smiles, incredible memories and exciting ideas marinating their thoughts!
40 Students Arrived at 8 a.m. and 40 Leaders left the building at 8 p.m.!
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where youth develop skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.