Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary recognizes young leaders through its RYLA Program

Pablo Lazaro and T.J. Pinto, as well as seven other local high school students, were recognized for their participation with Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. RYLA develops young leaders while inspiring them to connect, exchange ideas and take action in their schools and communities.

The nine students attended a weekend leadership conference that included leadership training, community service and team-building exercises. Rotary supported them by donating $250 for each student to attend. Pinto attends Sussex Tech and plans to be a dentist. Zazaro is an exchange student from Spain who attends Cape Henlopen High School and is staying with Rotarian Andrew Ratner and his family.

“It was a great chance to meet a lot of people and learn how to work together,” said Pinto. “They threw you together with a group and gave you a task that called for teamwork and leadership. It was an excellent experience."

Besides Lazaro and Pinto, other RYLA members are Chelsea Sivels, Michaeljon Greene, Xavier Drummond, Maria Ferreri and Isabella Nicoletti from Sussex Tech, and Mariko Daisey and Coryn Cannon from Cape.