Katie Heldenbrand selected for Rotary leadership award

Katie Heldenbrand, GHS sophomore, has been selected for the eighth annual Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) sponsored by Rotary District 6080. The leadership camp will be held in June at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. Katie is the daughter of Russell and Debbie Heldenbrand.

The focus of the RYLA program is to inspire young high school students who show leadership potential to learn what characteristics and skills are needed in leaders, not only as they complete their high school years, but as they continue on through college and into their communities.

The program will consist of daily group meetings with distinguished speakers and educators addressing the students. Topics to be covered will include: fundamentals of leadership, leadership and communication, group dynamics, interpersonal relations, community activities, and daily “fun” themes will be selected. All students will engage in a project to be completed during the week. A formal banquet will be held at the conclusion of the program for participants, parents, and rotarians.

Students will also be introduced to Rotary programs such as Scholarships, Interact, Rotaract, and Exchange programs.

Students selected for RYLA must be entering or leaving their sophomore year and rank in the top 20 percent of the class. Along with high academic standing, the student must show potential for leadership. They should show an awareness of the responsibilities of leadership, and a willingness to serve in their school, church and community.