Los Alamos High School incoming senior Torrie Padilla, center, with Rotarians Alison Pannell, left, and LeAnne Parsons following the Rotary Club of Los Alamos meeting July 31 at Cottonwood On The Greens. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

Torrie Padilla navigates a rope course during the RYLA Camp in the Manzano Mountains. Courtesy photo

STAFF Report

Los Alamos High School incoming senior Torrie Padilla gave an extensive presentation about the week-long Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp during the Rotary Club of Los Alamos meeting July 31 at Cottonwood On The Greens.  

The camp was held earlier in July in the Manzano Mountains.

RYLA is a leadership program coordinated by Rotary Clubs around the world and attended by thousands of young people ages 13-30. Participants are chosen for their leadership potential and their expenses are covered by Rotary Clubs and the Rotary District.

Padilla described each day’s activities and outlined what she learned. Topics addressed at the camp included fundamentals and ethics of leadership, problem-solving and conflict management, Rotary’s purpose and service to the community, the importance of communication skills in effective leadership, building self-confidence and self-esteem, and the elements of community and global citizenship.

In general, RYLA aims to demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth, provide an effective training experience for participants, encourage leadership of youth by youth, and recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.

Rotarian LeAnna Parsons was the cabin counselor for Padilla’s group. She said she was extremely proud of how Padilla represented Los Alamos at the RYLA camp.

“Torrie displayed great leadership skills. By her example and her vulnerability, she encouraged other young women to step forward throughout the week,” Parsons said.

Torrie Padilla, in front, with a group of RYLA campers. Courtesy photo

Rotarian Phil Dabney volunteers to allow Torrie Padilla demonstrate a self-defense move on him during her presentation on the RYLA Camp. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com

RYLA Camp Counselor LeAnne Parsons, right, laughs at one of Torrie Padilla’s descriptions of their activities during the week-long program. Photo by Maire O’Neill/ladailypost.com