Seward High School Junior, Jayln Hagen was selected by a panel of judges to represent the Seward Rotary Club and Seward High at the 2026 Rotary International District 5655’s Rotary Youth Leadership Award program in Fremont the first weekend in October.  Her selection was based on her written application and judge’s interview which was held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Seward.

First Runner-Up/Alternate is Amelia Juranek, also a Junior at Seward High. Other finalist from SHS included Elizabeth Wiseman, Jordyn Samuels and Olive Buell.  Each student completed the written application and the interview process.

Rotary RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is an intensive leadership training program for young people ages 14–30, sponsored and funded by local Rotary clubs. The Seward Rotary Club has sponsored RYLA students for this leadership effort for decades and likes to send a Junior from the high school.  The program is sponsored by Rotary District 5655 and hosted by Leadership Lincoln.

What is RYLA?  The RYLA Core Purpose: It builds character, leadership, personal development, and citizenship based on Rotary’s motto, "Service Above Self."  RYLA Activities: Events include workshops, team building, outdoor adventures, and presentations on ethics and communication.  Cost: Participants attend free of charge because the local Seward Rotary club provide a full scholarship that cover the cost of the program.

RYLA is an international youth leadership program.  Judges for the selection included Melanie Ayres, Jon Kruse, Bonnie Kruse and Ellen Chaffin all of Seward.  Rotarians Greg Zabka made the meeting room arrangements and the students were coordinated by Lexi Collings of SHS, Clark Kolterman with the Seward Rotary Club and Noelle Baker, the SHS Counselor. 

For more information on RYLA visit Rotary.com or contact Clark Kolterman at clark.kolterman@sewardschools.org.