Minerva Juniors Gain Leadership Edge at RYLA Conference
Two Minerva High School juniors, Fox Johnson and Kayden Knappenberger, recently returned from an intensive leadership retreat after being selected to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).
The three-day conference, held in Canfield, Ohio, brought together approximately 100 high school juniors from across Northeast Ohio. The Minerva Local Rotary Club sponsored both students, covering all expenses for the experience to support the development of local youth leaders.
Building Skills Through Action
Both Fox and Kayden are strong students at Minerva High School, balancing roles as Honor Students with varsity athletes on the track and cross-country teams. At RYLA, they participated in collaborative workshops and leadership simulations designed to challenge their communication and problem-solving abilities.
Fox Johnson noted that the experience changed his perspective on how leaders connect with others.
"RYLA was a very educational experience that taught me a lot about communication," said Johnson. "We did many activities that involved communication, and in many of them, we weren't able to talk. This forced us to find creative ways to communicate without speech. I feel like these exercises helped emphasize the importance of communication. I had a great experience at RYLA, and it gave me more confidence when choosing a college to attend.”
Johnson added that the social environment was equally beneficial. "Speaking with many students I didn't know vastly improved my social skills, and I feelit made me a better person overall."
Preparing for the Future
For Kayden Knappenberger, the weekend was a dive into the practicalities of leadership and self-confidence.
"I felt that RYLA was a very educational and beneficial experience," Knappenberger shared. "I got a chance to talk and interact with everybody who was there in a multitude of ways. Overall, it was a very interesting and enjoyable weekend as it taught me better ways to be a leader, not just in my school, but in my society as well."
Mark Scott, serving in his dual role as a Minerva Rotary Club Member and Minerva Local Schools Superintendent, has observed their journey firsthand.
"Both Fox and Kayden are outstanding representatives for Minerva High School," said Scott. "I have had the opportunity to watch them grow all the way from elementary school into strong leaders, role models, and outstanding young men. I am happy to hear they had a great experience through RYLA."