Trust, teamwork, problem-solving and communication are just a few of the skills necessary to become a community leader.

After writing an essay describing why they want to participate, juniors Karina Mara, Hailee Kessler and Lauryn Uhlenberg were selected to receive scholarships to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).

“I encouraged any student who might be interested in developing as a leader to apply to the program because everything that I’ve heard of has been really positive,” member of interact club Daniel Cramer said. “Students coming back have said that this has been really beneficial and that they’ve all enjoyed themselves and their leadership skills improved.”

RYLA is a three-day seminar organized by Rotary clubs beginning on April 27. At this event, participants will attend workshops led by various influential speakers and participate in team-building activities that will help build stronger leadership and communication skills. Former activities included puzzle-solving, group exercises and a RYLA Olympics where assigned teams compete in sports. Students are also invited to participate in a RYLA talent show.

“I’m soft spoken and afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone so I think that this would be the perfect opportunity to expand my horizons,” Uhlenberg said.

According to the organization’s website, participants will build communication and problem-solving skills to further strengthen their leadership potential.

RYLA promotes the development of community leaders who will help shape the new tomorrow. The program unites students in hopes of creating long-lasting leadership skills and friendships.

“I’m hoping to learn more leadership skills and be able to take what I learn and implement it into the school and just my daily life,” Kessler said.