RYLA Aplications 2026

Personal Data

Rotary Club: Pierre-Fort Pierre SD

Name: Addison Novotny

Gender: Female

School Grade: Sophomore

School – TF Riggs High School

Primary Phone Number – 605.222.4910

Address: 1975 Saunders Ave Pierre, SD 57501

Parent/Guardian Information:

Brittany Novotny

Phone: 605.222.2506 Email: [email protected]

Relationship – Mother

Vision

Please explain what you hope to gain by participating in RYLA.

I hope that participating in RYLA will provide valuable real-world experiences that I can carry forward into my future. I am excited about the opportunity to meet and connect with fellow participants from across the region, build meaningful friendships, and learn from one another’s perspectives. I believe this experience will help me continue to grow, expand my understanding of leadership, and gain new insights. I also look forward to further developing my public speaking abilities and strengthening other professional skills that will support my future goals.

Rotary’s motto is “service above self.” What does that mean to you?

To me, “Service Above Self” means intentionally choosing to invest my time and energy in efforts that help build a stronger and more supportive community, even when there is no expectation of personal recognition or reward. I believe leadership is defined by one’s willingness to step forward and contribute when help is needed. Whether volunteering, supporting school activities, helping younger students, or simply being someone others can rely on, I strive to use my time and energy in ways that make a positive difference. I believe that even small acts of service, when done with intention and care, can have a meaningful impact on those around us and create a ripple effect that helps strengthen our communities.

Past and Current Experience

Have you ever volunteered before? – Yes

List any past or present volunteer experiences including dates volunteered and position responsibilities.

10/2025 Discovery Center – Coordinated and participated in an event for children designed to promote learning, fun, and positive social interaction.
11/2025 Boys and Girls Club – Decorated for Christmas.
11/2025 Edgewood Assisted Living Facility – Assisted in planning and participated in activities intended to promote resident engagement, social interaction, and overall well-being.
1/26 Rotary – Pipe and Drape set up.
2/26 Feeding South Dakota – Assisted in the packaging of food items for distribution to families in the community.
2024-2025 and 2025-2026 School Year (multiple events). School Concessions – Sold food and beverages at concession stand multiple times to raise funds for student clubs and extracurricular activities.
2024-2025 and 2025-2026 School Year (multiple events). School Sports/Youth Programs – Volunteered in youth sports events, playing and promoting volleyball and basketball participation for younger children.
2025-2026 School Year. Future Business Leaders of America (RBLA) – Coordinated and hosted school engagement events for families and students to help promote community involvement in the school, raised funds to purchase Angel Tree gifts for children in the community.

Do you currently have a job? – Yes

List up to three past or current paid job experience including dates employed and responsibilities. Start with your most recent

2024-present. Midwest Solutions, Inc. Assist with office administrative duties.
2024-present. Babysitting. Provided attentive care and supervision for children.

Have you received any awards or honors? – Yes

List awards or recognition that you received for academic, school, or community activities beginning in the 7th grade

Dean’s List (all semesters), Volleyball (Best Hitter, 2 years), Student Recognition Award (Language Arts)

Have you participated in extracurricular activities or organizations? – Yes

Please list, in order of importance to you, any school, religious, social, athletic, hobbies or other activities or organizations which you have participated in since the 7th grade

Family Time
Volleyball
Rotary Interact
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Lutheran Memorial Church & Youth Group
Basketball
Knitting Club
Art
Piano
Track
Cross Country Manager