Ayda Metschke Selected as August Seward Youth Rotarian of the Month
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At its September 24, 2026 club meeting, the Seward Rotary Club recognized Seward High School senior Ayda Metschke, as the Youth Rotarian of the Month. Ayda is the daughter of Jon and Amy Metschke and is the second of 10 seniors to be recognized this academic year. Youth Rotarians of the Month are selected based on their service, scholarship, leadership, and citizenship efforts during high school. They receive a book scholarship for college and a bag of information about Seward. Monthly Youth Rotarians are also finalists for the Seward Youth Rotarian of the Year award which will be presented at the annual SHS Honors Night.
The motto of Rotary is “Service above self.” Ayda has documented more than 300 hours of community service during her high school career, using her talents and interests to help others. She has served in the kitchen and in caring for campers at Camp Luther. She has also assisted with Summer Horizons, the Daughter Date Night, and Vacation Bible School at St. John. Additionally, sh serves as a 4-H Junior Leader.
Ayda is a good student, and an involved one. She has been part of three career student organizations: FCCLA, FFA, and SkillsUSA. She has been very active in the arts, including being part of the speech team, serving as a dance captain in Show Choir, being a section leader in Select Choir, being selected for the Concordia Summer Chamber Choir, and being part of the high school musical. She is also a member of her St. John youth group. Ayda has earned several awards related to her activities:
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Concordia Honor Choir selection - 3 years
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FCCLA State competition gold awards
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State Fair Writing competition - 1st place
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Grand Champion and Reserve Champion in various 4-H categories
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State Speech Qualifier
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SkillsUSA Nebraska Opening and Closing Ceremonies - 1st place team
In addition to her service, academic, and leadership excellence, Ayda has also built her skills as an employee. She has done detasseling and roguing, and is currently employed through babysitting, summer nannying, and at What’s the Scoop. Ayda continues to evaluate her postsecondary options and wants to ensure that she does something that is really helpful to other people.
The Seward Rotary Club wishes the best to Ayda and all area seniors; and the club encourages each of them to embrace opportunities to serve others locally and around the world with their specific gifts and interests.