by Joy Viola
Four Wayland High School sophomores were honored for their leadership and community service by The Rotary Club of Weston and Wayland at the sixth Rising Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) dinner held March 6 at the Weston Golf Club. Margaret Agyeman, Owen Harrington, Alex Jacob, Brendan McGonegal, and Max Rainville were honored before a host of parents, school officials and other special guests.
The RYLA awards are based on nominations from members of the community who have noticed the “service above self” Rotary motto in action in the lives of young students.
Margaret Agyeman, known as one who always steps up to a challenge, was recognized for her outstanding work with Girl Scout troop 69199 through which she organized a gift card drive for members of a Girl Scout troop in Los Angeles who lost their homes in the recent California wildfires.
Owen Harrington was cited for his endeavors helping the Good Shepherd Parish 2 Youth Minister teach an adaptive form of baseball for the blind, bringing his own baseball skills to the benefit and enjoyment of blind athletes. Owen also helps to prepare food for the parish food pantry.
Alex Jacob was honored for his efforts on behalf of Indian American youth through The Kerala Association of New England, as well as his work for the Compassionate Heart Network, which builds houses for the underprivileged in Kerala, India, and SOLACE, a charity that supports underprivileged children and families in India in need of medical procedures.
Brendon McGonegal, is a computer whiz and Wayland High School Robotics Team member. He donates numerous hours to helping students and staff with their technical computer issues as a member of the “Genius Bar.” He also spends considerable time outside the classroom enhancing his computer skills to better assist those seeking his help.
Max Rainville is a member of the Wayland Warriors, a Community Pool program that teaches inner-city youth how to swim. He has participated in the school’s Day of Service, doing yard work for senior citizens, has served as a bridge between students and administrators as President of his Freshman Class and now his Sophomore Class, and fostered fundraising and special school events.
As awardees, the students are now eligible to attend the District 7910 three-day, overnight conference for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Student Leaders at Fitchburg State University June 27-29. The conference will address leadership fundamentals, ethics, communication skills, problem-solving, conflict management, and global citizenship.
Awards were also presented to four Weston High School sophomores and a sophomore at the Rivers School in Weston.
