Jr. Rotarian Speeches: Carlton High School Students

Macy went first, relating her two experiences traveling overseas on school tours. Her first trip included visiting England, Ireland and Wales. London was her favorite stop. With a population of 8.5 million people, their group made its way through Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Tower of London, the London Eye Ferris wheel, noting red phone booths and double-decker busses along the way. She loved the trip, but not the 8 hour plane ride. Her second trip was to Italy and included Milan, Venice, Rome, Bologna, and Pompeii. Pompeii had so much history with its volcano, but her favorite was Rome. They saw the Vatican, Temple of Caesar, and the Pantheon. Both of her travel experiences with her school were more than memorable experiences. She learned a lot and developed a love to travel more. 

Ashley spoke next about her experience of going to Camp RYLA at Crookston. At first she didn't want to go and be away from her family, but she was encouraged to apply and was chosen. She cried when she left home. After driving to Duluth to take the bus with other students, she arrived at the camp in Crookston only to find she was assigned to be part of a family of 7 girls, 2 boys and a leader. The family did everything together from 7am to 11:55pm for one week. They really got to know each other and grew very close. She enjoyed the volunteer work they did packing food for the Crookston Food Shelf. They really worked as a team. Follies night was exciting to be on stage, and their Challenge was grueling, but rewarding. She found that strangers were so friendly, and built confidence on the Welcoming Committee. When it was time to leave Camp RYLA, she cried to leave her new "family".

 

Excerpts taken from the Cloquet Rotary log, edited by Rachel Martin.