RYLANs, their parents, and Club members joined to celebrate the BEST RYLA EVER and hear about how it changed the lives of these amazing students. The students shared their experiences and the ways they look at the world differently, and the things they do that they would not have had the courage to do before.
Photo left: Left to Right- RYLA Chair Ron Faccenda, RYLA Group Facilitator Nina McElreath, RYLA Students Jack Donahue, Annabel Smutok, Mary Lowrey, and BVR President Susan Peghiny
Their parents spoke about the confidence and growth they've seen in their kids since attending RYLA and their deep appreciation for the program. It was a truly inspiring evening - and members of the Club left with a fuller understanding of the value of RYLA.
Photo right: Left to Right: RYLA Chair Ron Faccenda, PH Recipient Marissa Moquin, Westboro Rotarian Betsey Moquin, BVR President Susan Peghiny
To make the evening even MORE inspiring, the Club presented Marissa Moquin (daughter of Westborough Rotarian Betsey Moquin) with a Paul Harris Award for her yearly commitment to fund 3 RYLA students from the Blackstone Valley. Marissa, a RYLA alum and volunteer, was instrumental in revitalizing our RYLA program and has served on our RYLA Committee. We were delighted to thank her with this award.
Photo left: Custom RYLA Cookie donated by RYLA Student Annabel Smutok