Rotary Youth Leadership Marks a Decade of Inspiring Future Leaders

RYLA MARKS A DECADE OF INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS

RYLA is one of the most important annual programs that takes place within District 6740.  While it took place in April and is only being reported on now is only a function of available space].

On Saturday, April 26, the District 6740 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2025 program took place at the Life Adventure Center in Versailles. This milestone event marked the ninth RYLA program sponsored by District 6740 and orchestrated by the Rotary Club of Lexington since 2015. Rotary Clubs from Morehead, Pikeville, Richmond, and Lexington supported 8th graders in experiencing an outdoor adventure challenge designed to strengthen their leadership skills, resilience, and confidence – helping them become future leaders in their communities.

In its early years, RYLA was a multi-day program, lasting four days at first, then three. However, since the pandemic, we have adapted to a one-day format, a change that balances affordability, student and Rotarian time commitments, and the busy schedules of all involved. While the duration has shifted, the adventure challenges remain as engaging and impactful as ever.

A Day of Leadership and Adventure

The event began with a discussion on leadership, covering various styles and the importance of an ethical code. We used the “Code of the West” as our guiding philosophy. The students then rotated through multiple challenges, including:

• A 60-foot climbing and rappelling tower
• Archery
• Team-based low-rope challenges
• Canoeing
• Navigation exercises with maps and compasses

 

 

• The day concluded with a thrilling, two-hour Amazing Race, where teams competed to find over a dozen points around the Life Adventure Center, completing challenges at each location. The students were awarded the coveted RYLA coin with the RYLA vision on the front and the Code of the West on the Back as a token of their accomplishment.

A Community Effort

I would like to sincerely thank the leadership of District 6740 for supporting RYLA through a generous grant, along with the Rotary Clubs throughout the district for their ongoing dedication. A special thank-you goes to the Rotary Club of Lexington and its leadership for their continued assistance.

Additionally, I extend my gratitude to our RYLA team leaders—or “Wranglers”—Edwin Gibson and Kimberly Steel from Lexington. Edwin, an Army veteran, has been a part of RYLA since 2018, bringing invaluable experience from his years as a leader mentoring Boy Scouts. Kimberly, a former Fayette County Public Schools educator and new Rotarian, has infused the program with her deep knowledge of working with students.

Looking to the Future

As we enter RYLA’s second decade, it’s time to reflect on our successes, assess the evolving landscape, and make strategic improvements for the future. I encourage all Rotarians who are passionate about shaping future leaders to get involved. We welcome volunteers during the event, but we especially need help spreading the word to middle schools across the district—ensuring that more students have the opportunity to experience RYLA.

Together, we can continue inspiring and equipping young leaders for years to come!

Christopher Hickey, District 6740 RYLA Chair