Commack HS Students Talk RYLA And Special Olympics With Rotarians

Commack-Kings Park Rotary President Dr. Phil Facquet with Commack HS studentsFour students from Commack HS visited the Commack-Kings Park Rotary Club Tuesday afternoon. Three of the students attended Rotary’s RYLA -Rotary Youth Leadership Award program. The two-day program is designed to teach high school students skills in leadership, communication, problem solving, decision making, conflict management and resolution.

The three RYLA attendees Theresa Amoruso, Katherine Elliot And Caitlin Passaro described their experience as life changing. The RYLA program is run by young people, eleventh and twelfth graders, who participated in the program as tenth graders.  Rotarians act as chaperones during the two days, but the young people do everything. 

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to sponsor these young people.  The RYLA program allows young people to work together and to develop their leadership skills. To hear the students describe their experience at the Rotary program as life changing makes all of us in Rotary proud,” stated President Phil Facquet.

Jessica SpitzCommack HS senior Jessica Spitz was the guest speaker for the afternoon meeting. Jessica is a spokesperson for the Special Olympics. The Commack school district is hosting the Special Olympics on May 4.  This is the second year for the district.  Last year’s event was described as one of the most successful Special Olympics ever.  Debbie Virga represents the school district and acts as the liaison between the district and the Special Olympics committee. This is a labor of love for Ms. Virga who has described the event as a wonderful, positive experience. Participants vary in age from children to adults.  The events include many of the track and field events people see in olympic competitions.

Jessica Spitz is an enthusiastic participant and spokesperson for the Special Olympics. Jessica will be participating in track and shot put. She explained to Rotarians how participating in the Special Olympics helped her and allowed for new friendships, increased self esteem, and fun.Jessica will graduate in June and is looking forward to attending Suffolk County Community College and working towards earning a degree in Veterinary Technology.  

The Special Olympic Games will be held on May 4th at Commack HS.