Twins Alssie and Alesha Casayuran will serve as RYLA facilitators. They both attended and served as facilitators at Maui Camp RYLA while students at Maui High School. They are now graduates of Pacific University in Oregon.

The 51 Rotary Clubs of Hawaii are hosting the first-ever Virtual Junior Mini Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). The date of this leadership experience for middle school students is Saturday, Feb. 13, starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 12:05 p.m.

In the past, RYLA Camps have been offered to only high school students.

According to the program description, “Imagine bringing together middle school students from across Hawaii for a two-hour workshop focused on creating connections, providing inspiration, and encouraging action. This workshop is designed for participants to virtually receive ‘A Taste of the RYLA Experience!’ The two hours will feature a combination of both short ‘keynote’ presentations and time to connect students from across islands through the ‘Zoom Room’ breakout sessions. The keynote presenter, Rochelle Whellams, will inspire students to take action on the 3 C’s: Their Character, Connections, and Contributions. Participants from schools across the islands will be guided in their ‘Zoom Rooms’ by young adult Rotary facilitators to meet new friends, make connections, and make a difference by applying the principles of Rotary and the 4-Way Test.”

This leadership training event has been approved for students to participate by both Maui County Complex Area superintendents. Any middle school-age student is encouraged to apply — whether in public, private or home-schooled.

There is no charge for students to participate, as it is offered for up to 30 middle school students from Maui County by the ten Rotary Clubs of Maui.

Virtual Junior RYLA Director Joanne Laird said, “We are excited to offer this virtual opportunity for the first time to middle school students. Many of our facilitators are young adults who served as campers and facilitators at previous Maui RYLA Camps. They are eager to lead middle school students in this opportunity to make virtual connections and become inspired to lead others.”

Registration can be completed online at https://rotaryd5000.org/sitepage/junior-ryla. The registration deadline is Jan. 30.

For information, contact Director Laird at mamalrd01@gmail.com.