04/29/2026
Orange North Rotary Club – Celebrating the Next Generation of Leaders
Yesterday morning, our Orange North Rotary Club had the privilege of hosting three outstanding students from Orange High School: Arianna Granada, Allisson Villalon, and Angela Rodriguez. They were accompanied by the dedicated and highly respected Colonel Mark Tull, whose guidance and support played a major role in bringing these students to our club and helping them participate in this year’s RYLA program.
A fourth selected student was unable to attend, but was very much part of the experience we recognized and celebrated.
At 7:00 AM, the students joined us for a warm breakfast at the Original Pancake House, where they shared their reflections after returning from RYLA Camp — the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards weekend, funded entirely by Rotary to empower young leaders from our community.
What RYLA Represents
RYLA — Rotary Youth Leadership Awards — is one of Rotary’s most impactful youth initiatives. It brings together students from across the region for a weekend focused on leadership development, communication skills, team‑building challenges, and personal growth. Participants step away from their daily routines and fully immerse themselves in an environment designed to strengthen character, confidence, and collaboration.
What These Students Shared With Us
Each of the three students described RYLA as a life‑changing experience.
They spoke about:
• Disconnecting from the outside world and focusing on meaningful interactions
• Building new friendships with students from many different schools
• Taking on challenges that pushed them far beyond their comfort zones
• Discovering strengths they didn’t realize they had
• Returning to school with a renewed sense of direction and purpose
Their stories were sincere, thoughtful, and filled with the kind of insight that reminds us why Rotary invests in programs that uplift young adults.
A Message of Gratitude
Colonel Mark Tull expressed deep appreciation to Rotary for our involvement with Orange High School and for making opportunities like RYLA possible. His commitment to these students — and to helping them grow into confident, capable leaders — was evident in every word he shared.
A Moment Worth Sharing
Below, you’ll see a photo of the three students who joined us yesterday morning. Their presence brought energy, optimism, and a powerful reminder of the impact Rotary can have on the future of our community.
A Call to the Community
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved in something meaningful — something that directly strengthens the community you care about — becoming a Rotarian might be the perfect next step.
Rotary is a place where people come together to take action, support youth, build programs, and create opportunities that truly matter in the City of Orange.
If you’re curious, inspired, or simply want to learn more, reach out to me anytime at 714‑227‑3822.
This is an incredible opportunity to be part of something that makes a real difference.
In the photo, our Rotarians, Donna Cavanagh and Jeff Krolosky, and with the three students is the Colonel, Mark Tull.
