“You can be the inspiration for others.”

That's the message that Joyce Cully, president of the Rotary Club of Butler A.M., told six students who completed the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards leadership camp this summer.

The Rotary invited Lucy Panian, Alison Cammisa, Eliza Drohan, Jordon Surkosky, Hunter Hartley and Zachary Callithen to speak about their experiences. Jordon is senior at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic in Cranberry Township, while the others are students at Butler High School.

The leadership camp is offered for students who have completed their junior year in high school. The weeklong retreat, which was held at Westminster College, challenges students in areas of leadership, interpersonal skills, personal reflection and discovery, according to the program.

Lucy, who mentioned that the experience inspired her to become a volunteer firefighter, said that the program was “life changing.”

“I know a lot of people have said that, but I really mean it,” Lucy said. “I was nervous when I first got there, but there were so many wonderful speakers. They had a real impact on me.”

She explained how one activity was drawing a “flat Stanley” character and putting them up on a wall. Then, students would say a comment that was said either to them or someone else that was disrespectful. After, the students would rip a body part off the character.

“It was impactful because you see all these people and you don't know all of their stories,” Lucy said. “I felt safe in this environment. There was no judgment. Everyone was there for a reason.”

Alison said the atmosphere was friendly and everyone felt like part of a family.

“The people there, the experiences and the leaders were all great,” she said.

Alison explained that she learned how to fund raise and promote at the camp. She plans to use her skills at BHS's Best Buddies Club, which she serves as vice president. The club focuses on helping special needs students.

Other students opened up about the hesitations that came with attending the program.

“I had no base, no idea of what I was getting into,” Eliza said. “The program was during the first week of summer, and that's normally my favorite week, so I wasn't the most excited. But I grew comfortable and began talking to more people. I met some amazing people in no way that I thought I would have connections with. I still talk to my group every single week.”

Eliza said that Darren Miller, a swimmer, was the speaker that most connected with her.

“He talked about how the only boundaries that you have for yourself are the ones you make for yourself,” she said.

Jordon also didn't know what to think of the camp at first.

“On Wednesday, people told their stories and things got more personal,” Jordon said. “There were about 120 people at RYLA, and I never met one kid there that was mean at all. Everyone was accepting and there was no judgment. It felt like family.”

Jordon said that one speaker said, “You either win or you learn,” which stuck with him.

Hunter also acknowledged how the program got more personal after the “flat Stanley” exercise.

“You could find a story that you could relate to,” Hunter explained. “I made friends that I will never forget. It was like being in a little utopia. If I could go back, I would trade a week of my summer to do it again.”

Zachary said that he mainly spent time with his fellow Butler students, but when put in a group of 10, he bonded quickly with the other members.

“I talk to them almost every day,” he said. “It was a lot of fun and I would also trade another week to go back. I really didn't want to leave.”

The Rotary usually sponsors three students at the retreat. However, Michael Vislay, a former RYLA attendee and councilor, co-sponsored another three students, donating $1,200 to the Rotary.