Andra and Anamjit were hosted by us to attend RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). Calgary West has been involved for 20 years. Bow now Stan Cichon.

Dan Doherty is our point man for RYLA, but he was in Texas for the graduation of his daughter who attended university on a soccer scholarship. Our Dan Doherty plays an incredible role in this programme.

Andra is a student at St Mary's and Anamjit attends Western Canada High. Frank Burns is part of our club's effort.

Anamjit Singh Sivia was our first speaker. He is a grade 12 student from Western Canada High. Amazingly, he has only been in Canada for two years. He included a PowerPoint video in his presentation.

He hopes to attend U of T and then maybe Harvard.

He spoke with conviction about the RYLA experience. It was meaningful for him. A written quote: "If you judge people you have no time to love them" (Mother Teresa). The RYLA experience was touching and inspirational. The RYLA attendees were challenged to remove stigma and function with a good heart.

Andra Bosilca hopes to be a lawyer.

Andra felt the RYLA experience taught her to co-operate. Andra is involved with a programme for 5-8 year olds in learning English. She suggested that RYLA taught her patience. And she said you need a lot with little people. Andra has also been part of Global Young Leaders' Conferences.

Both students said they grew from the stories of others and personal story. Story is effective in revealing truth.

There were about 80 attendees at RYLA from across Southern Alberta 5360 Rotary. It is held at the University of Calgary. Seen in attendance were Dr. Sam Switzer and our inbound student, Knut Buene.

Marie Rickard thanked the students.

reported by Don Axford