Rotary Youth Leadership Program discussed at meeting

Roscoe Rouse, Rotary

August 30, 2008 10:38 pm

— The Stillwater Rotary Club honored the Rotary Youth Leadership Association at a recent dinner meeting. The club’s director for RYLA is Jim Albright, who was Rotarian of the Day. In February this year, Albright was named the Rotarian of the Year, based upon his years of service as club director of RYLA.
Albright introduced the speaker of the evening, Bridget Markwood, the Rotary District 5750 RYLA director. Markwood completed her M.A. degree in communications at Oklahoma State University and taught a course she developed in leadership. She worked in Campus Life at the time.
Each year in the summer, District 5750 RYLA groups meet for a week camp-out at Camp Redlands, an OSU facility on the shore of Lake Carl Blackwell. Students involved in the organization are led by older students, or graduates, who lead them in training sessions that are intended to assist in developing their talents in various categories. Some of the goals offered are developing personalities, leadership, public speaking, manners and courtesy and time management. Association work is another opportunity they can choose.
It’s not all work; there are “fun activities” led by counselors and assistants. Bon fires are built every night and activities around them are entertaining. The counselors have had training to give individual help to students who seek it.
Markwood has now completed nine years in her position. She spoke with inspiration and enthusiasm to the students.
The Stillwater Rotary Club has a goal of helping young people develop their futures, becoming responsible adults and gaining a teamwork technique.