FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2016, 3:00 p.m. CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, 402.872.2429
Camp Kitaki- The Peru State College Rotaract Club made history when they were chosen to develop and deliver the first Rotaract Retreat in Rotary District 5650. Officers of PSC Rotaract chose the theme “Building a Foundation for Success” for the Retreat, which was held in conjunction with the district’s RYLA Event on Saturday, April 16 at Camp Kitaki near Louisville, NE.
Hailey Benedict, president of Peru State Rotaract, said, “It was an honor to help plan the first annual District 5650 Rotaract Retreat. It was truly a great opportunity to meet with other Rotaract and Rotary members. I look forward to attending next year! “
The day started with welcomes from Rotary dignitaries including 5650 District Governor Rod Bates. Bates expressed his support for the conference at the beginning of the conference. Bates also told the attending students that he continued to be impressed by their many activities and enthusiasm for service
Breakout sessions on fundraising, public relations, service projects and recruitment were followed by a Rotaract Panel facilitated by PSC Co-Advisor Brook Earnest. RYLA members had the opportunity to ask questions to the panel members about choosing a college, college life and service clubs. The day concluded with each club preparing an action plan and a reflection on the day.
Tom Cardwell, RYLA director and district governor nominee, writes, “It was a historic day in District 5650 Rotary to have all four Rotaract clubs convene together this past Saturday.”
“The Peru State delegation led the way organizing this event. It is my hope and expectation that these clubs will continue to meet and over time become a driving force behind college youth engagement in Nebraska. Never have the stakes been higher! Well done!”
Elaine Hanson, co-advisor for Peru State Rotaract, said, “Designing the Rotaract Retreat gave our members a hands on experience in professional development and an opportunity to meet Rotarians and Rotaractors from around the district.”
“I am extremely proud of the creative skills, tenacity and hard work they demonstrated in the process.”
Peru State Rotaract Club: (left to right) Haley Benedict – President; Nyla Witzel – Secretary/Treasurer; Elaine Hanson – Co-Advisor; Aubrey DeBraal – Vice-President; Brooke Earnest – Co-Advisor.
The four Rotaract Clubs in District 5650 are Wayne State College, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Omaha and Peru State College. Local Rotary clubs sponsor each Rotaract club. Peru State College Rotaract is sponsored by the Rotarians of Auburn, Falls City, Humboldt, Nebraska City and Pawnee.
Rotaract is a part of Rotary International. There are 8,754 Rotaract clubs and 20,342 members around the world. Individual Rotary clubs sponsor Rotaract clubs and offer guidance and support, making the Rotaract club true “partners in service” and key members of the family of Rotary.
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