Group leaders lead morning "wake up" activities

Rotary Youth Leadership Program Celebrates 20th Year

RYLA is setting records at Erskine College.

The twentieth annual motivational leadership, training and free enterprise seminar for rising high school juniors and seniors is being held on the Erskine College campus this week. Sponsored by Rotary District 7750 (Western South Carolina), the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program is being coordinated by Erskine basketball coaches Mark and Maggie Peeler of Due West, who are working on their second year with RYLA.
The weeklong seminar, which this year boasts a record 101 students in attendance, is designed to help delegates develop sound leadership techniques for daily use in school and extracurricular activies, as well as in later life.

Several Erskine faculty and staff members are participating in the program this week, including Jeff Craft, Director of Admissions; Dr. Jack Heinsohn, Professor of Preaching at Erskine Theological Seminary; Bobby McDonald, Special Assistant to the President; Kelly Ramsdell, Athletic Trainer; Dr. Stephen Sniteman, Professor of Sociology and Chief Marketing Officer; Dr. Donald Weatherman, Vice President and Dean of the College; and Dr. Jay West, Vice President for Institutional Relations.

"The uniqueness of RYLA is how good the quality of kids is," said Mark Peeler. "People who think the youth of today aren't what they used to be need to come check out RYLA."

Television news anchor Michael Cogdill of WYFF delivered the keynote address. Other scheduled speakers for the week include King Dixon, former athletic director, University of South Carolina; Barbara Hodges of the Clemson University Home Economics Extension; Ralph Patterson, host of the radio show "Sports Jam" and former head basketball coach at Erskine; Jeanna Raney, Miss South Carolina 2002; Erskine alumnus Bill Ranson of Charlotte, N.C.; Hon. Jean Hoefer Toal, Chief Justice, South Carolina Supreme Court; Kim Alexander, Youth Development Specialist, Clemson University; and Margaret Pope of the Founders Board of the Drummond Institute.

Students are selected for RYLA by the Boards of Directors of participating Rotary Clubs, based on the recommendations of local high schools. The seminar is designed to encourage personal growth and development through interaction with peers and with outstanding business, political and community leaders.
RYLA participants are eligible to receive a $1,000 per year scholarship at Erskine College upon their acceptance to the school, renewable for up to four years.

Participants during announcements and wake up time enjoy a laugh

RYLA participant taking notes while Erskine's Chief Marketing
Officer Dr. Steve Sniteman speaks on the art of communication