During 2007/08, Luciana Noel Storelli-Castro was our Ambasadorial Scholar, studying at the University of Ghana, in Accra, Ghana (Africa). Today Bob Lawrence will introduce Ms. Storelli-Castro, who will highlight some of her work, the challenges, and the most rewarding experiences during her year of study and travel.

Luciana Storelli-Castro with Ghana Friends

Luci plans to chronicle her evolution from an awestruck obruni (translated "white foreigner") to a more seasoned traveler and active member of the greater Ghanaian community. She will comment on her studies at the University of Ghana and, more importantly, her volunteer jobs as an English teacher to fifty-seven elementary students (6 & 7-year olds) and founder of a female soccer team at Buduburam, a Liberian refugee camp.

She will also briefly share some stories of her days on the road - traveling extensively throughout Ghana and the neighboring countries of Togo, the Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. In addition, she will talk about her involvement in the some Rotary-sponsored Ghanaian projects. She promises to “pepper her presentation with pictures and anecdotes to keep us all entertained”.

Luci is from Fort Collins and attends CSU. She is a former Rotary Exchange Student to Germany, and believes “Rotary promotes an international community that is not indifferent, and thus will understand and support someone who is interested in the continent of Africa, a continent many would describe as “hopeless””. While in Ghana, Luci worked with the Rotary Club of Accra East and the Rotary Club of Ft. Collins on an ongoing community development effort to provide clean drinking water and malaria nets.

Information about Melinda is available on the club web site under Teacher of the Month. The information that Melinda provided the Teacher of the Month Committee can be found at the following link: Melinda Danielson Information

Ada Chen was awarded a T-Shirt of the World for being the club Rotarian born the fartherest from Fort Collins. Ada was born in China. Jan Bertholf was a close second, being born in Japan.

. . . .It is easy for me to believe that the single accomplishment of lasting goodness performed while here is the distribution of 720 glasses. Hopefully, I am wrong. (Looking forward to next glasses shipment.)
Lt. W. Malcolm Brown (Betty Brown's son)

Mekana was the only player in the NCAA to be in the Top 10 in hitting percentage (.401) and blocks per game (1.65). She set a Mountain West record with 19 blocks in a match, and led the conference in both assist blocks and total blocks. Finally, she earned Mountain West Player of the Week honors a conference record-tying four times. She was recently picked as the Most Valuable Player in the Hilton Classic Tournament, played here in Fort Collins on August 29-30.

Each of the Rylarians talked about their experiences at the leadership conferences. Kyle, who attended YRYLA, talked about the leadership activities and some of his learnings. He said he is now more confident. Geoffrey told about arriving at the conference and his first thoughts on getting out of the car and approached by some counselors was, “Of God please help!!, these people are crazy.” He said that he now has a new outlook and is taking more things at heart than he has ever before. Kelsey said it was a life changing experience and the most amazing experience she has ever had. She was able to trust her team mates enough to share her life story.

Kyle Schroeder

Geoffrey DeSena

Kelsey Brozek

Kerry White

Janessa Malisani

Kerry wondered why he signed up and went because his mom insisted. He met and developed a close friendship with his complete opposite even though at first he didn’t like this new friend. Among other things he learned not to judge and improving yourself is important so you can help improve others. Janessa said she loved RYLA. She expressed how lucky she is for having loving parents, to live in this community, to be free and have the opportunities she has had. All five thanked our club for providing the experience.

Looking at all that these five students have already accomplished, it appears that they were leaders before attending RYLA. Hopefully now they are even stronger leaders and can pass on what they learned at RYLA and YRYLA.

Warren and Genny Garst Wildlife Collection at CSU Click here or on the "tiger."

Rotary District 5440 Home Page - We recommend browsing this page particularly the links to other Clubs in District 5440 as your time permits.

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Copyright © by Lannie Boyd and Alan Ashbaugh for the Rotary Club of Fort Collins, Colorado, September 17, 2008