The Rotary Club of East Providence/Seekonk is seeking qualified high school students to attend this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference, to be held from May 18 – 20, 2012 at the Cape Cod Sea Camps in Brewster, MA. The Club will sponsor and fund four students to participate at the Conference.

The annual RYLA Conference is an intensive and challenging three-day training program for community youth leaders. Young adults chosen for their leadership potential are awarded the opportunity to attend the all-expenses-paid Conference to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. 

The weekend features thought-provoking events including interactive leadership labs, guest speakers and challenging mental and physical activities that provide participants with a chance to excel amongst their peers. Topics and activities include the fundamentals of leadership, the ethics of positive leadership, the importance of communication skills in effective leadership, problem-solving and conflict management, building self confidence and self-esteem, elements of community and global citizenship, and Rotary’s purpose and service to the community. 

RYLA offers high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to live, work and interact with one another in a cooperative and friendly atmosphere where they can use their skills to learn about themselves and others.

To be deemed eligible, students must be a sophomore or junior in high school located in East Providence or Seekonk and exhibit outstanding leadership abilities. Interested individuals may apply by visiting www.rotary7950.com and selecting the RYLA 2012 link. The student application deadline is April 6, 2012. For more information contact Valerie Perry at (401) 434-1449 or rsvpiii@verizon.net.

Chartered in 1946, the East Providence, RI/Seekonk, MA Rotary Club is a local club of Rotary International, based in Chicago, IL. Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. East Providence/Seekonk Club meetings are held at the 1149 East Restaurant in Seekonk each Monday at 12:15 pm. For more information, contact Club President David B. Murphy Jr. at (401) 434-4300 or write: PO Box 14303, East Providence, RI  02914.