Douglas County High School student Terrique Coker was the invited speaker at the Sept. 21 Rotary Club of Douglas County meeting.

Coker shared highlights from his participation in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Camp, held June 6–10 at Georgia Southwestern University in Americus.

With a developmental focus on leadership, character building, self-confidence, team building, and networking, the camp was attended by over 100 high school students, ages 15-18, from around the state.

Participants were sponsored by 33 local Rotary clubs and supported by 45 staff members. A meaningful service project, in partnership with Rise Against Hunger, was completed as 17,280 meals were packed in a start-to-finish meal assembly experience.

Reflecting on his time there, Coker described RYLA Camp as one of his “top five experiences.” He said the camp was highly rewarding and provided him with skills he can apply to his everyday life, particularly in the area of leadership.