RYLA Aplications 2026

Personal Data

Rotary Club: Gothenburg

Name: Kiarrra J Jonas

Gender: Female

School Grade: Junior

School – Gothenburg Public Schools

Primary Phone Number – 308.529.3710

Address: 2610 Northaven Drive Gothenburg, NE 69138

Parent/Guardian Information:

Allison Jonas

Phone: 308.870.4545 Email: [email protected]

Relationship – Mother

Vision

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

Something I hope to gain is stronger leadership. Last summer, I participated in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Camp, where I learned the importance of servant leadership. By attending RYLA, I hope to develop my leadership skills further.

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

Service above self means putting the progress of the team or community above your own. In leadership situations, service above self is important to ensure the progress of the project and the team.

Past and Current Experience

Have you ever volunteered before? – Yes

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

– Movie theater concessions – cashier – 6/21/25 + 7/11/25
– School sports concessions – cashier – 12/16/24 + 1/9/25 + 9/12/25 + 9/20/25 + 11/18/25
– Sanded wooden characters – ensure that Hasting’s wooden characters were properly prepared to be repainted – 5/31/25
– Created dog toys from old firehouse t-shirts – Ensured that all toys were tight enough to be played with by dogs – 5/31/25
– School service days – picked up golf balls at the golf course – 4/5/22 + 4/4/23 + 4/9/24 + 4/8/25
– Meals on Wheels – deliver pre-prepared food to the elderly of Gothenburg – 7/8/25 + 7/9/25
– Hospital Gala – deliver food at the annual hospital fundraiser – 2/22/25 + 2/28/26
– Poop Post – I manage the production and creation of the school paper that is put up in each bathroom stall – During the school year (2024-2025 and 2025-2026)
– Give and Gather – Organize and deliver the donated clothing and food – 12/1-5/25

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

YMCA Pool Lifeguard – May 2024 – Present
– Julie Czochara – Indoor and Outdoor Pool Regulator/Branch Executive Director
910 20th St, Gothenburg, NE 69138
(716) 923-3426
– I test the chemicals of the pool, ensure the safety of the swimmers, and show up to work early to prepare the pool for the swimmers. I also help with public swimming lessons and teach private lessons as well.
Elementary Summer Art Camp – June 12-15 2023, June 10-14 2024, June 9-12 2025
– Jamie Stortenbecker – Art Camp Employer
1322 Avenue I Gothenburg, NE 69138
(308) 325-7487
– I help clean up, ensure the safety of every kid, converse with kids, and serve as a role model for every kid in the program.
Pony Express Chevrolet Secretary – January 2026 – Present
– Gary Mroczek – Pony Express Employer
420 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE 69138
(308) 529-0123
– I answer phone calls and ensure that the building is maintained. I use customer service skills in interacting with callers and customers.

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

Swede Scholar (2026)
Swedes Lead (2025)
Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Nominee (May, 2025)
Honor Roll (2025, 2024, 2023)
Varsity Track (2025, 2024)
FFA Chapter Degree (2024)
Nominated for Sportsmanship Committee (2024)
Varsity Cross Country (2024, 2023)
Certificate in Science (2024)
Cross Country Letter (2024, 2023)
Leading Science Learner (2023)
FFA Greenhand Degree (2023)
In FFA Employment Skills – State qualifier for Employment Skills (2026)
District Runner-Up in Employment Skills (2025)
Academic All-State (2024)

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

Varsity Speech (2026)
Interact Club Member (11th and 10th grade)
Future Farmers of America (11th, 10th, and 9th grade)
Varsity Cross Country (11th, 10th, 9th,
Cross Country (8th, 7th)
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (11th and 10th Grade)
Sportsmanship Committee (10th grade)
One Act Member (2025)
Quiz Bowl (2026)
Student Council (10th grade)
Musical Crew Member (11th and 10th grade)
Varsity Track (11th, 10th and 9th grade)
Track (8th and 7th grade)