RYLA Aplications 2026

Personal Data

Rotary Club: Sioux Falls SD

Name: Venice L Sackett

Gender: Female

School Grade: Sophomore

School – Harrisburg High School

Primary Phone Number – 712.339.5380

Address: 222 S Phillips Ave Apt B Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Parent/Guardian Information:

Barry Sackett

Phone: 712.330.5248 Email: [email protected]

Relationship – Father

Vision

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

When I first heard about the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, it was the word “Leadership” that really stuck out to me. I’ve done camp experience in Okoboji at Camp Foster since I was 4 years old, and the RYLA camp where I can begin my growth in leadership and become a more confident leader. Reading about RYLA and the opportunities it provides made me excited to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, and learn how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds. I also think my travels around the globe and my year abroad make me uniquely suited to bring different perspectives to the table.

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

One of the ideas I try to live my life around is the idea, “above everything else, be nice.” Rotary’s motto of “service above self”, is about making a positive impact on the people I interact with everyday, and kindness is the first step in this process. This might be through small everyday actions, without expecting recognition, and also larger commitments, knowing that the positive impact only comes through consistent hard work. To follow the idea, “service above self”, means always having a positive attitude, giving back to others, supporting my community, and bringing my best self to every experience. Big or small, every kind act and simple action can make a meaningful difference.

Past and Current Experience

Have you ever volunteered before? – Yes

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

STEM Day – October 2024 – Benenden School, set up and organization prior to the event, on the day of I met the speakers and gave them a tour and got them to their

A Summer Showcase – June 2025 – Sioux Falls, I helped organize, as well as performed in, a fundraising Aerial Silks Showcase to help raise $50,000 for the Prism Center.

Charity Committee – 24-25 School year – Benenden School, I worked with many other girls my age to organize events, plan which charities to support, and help work some of the events.

Do you currently have a job? – No

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

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

Harrisburg High School, 7th-8th grade/10th grade, Honor Roll
Benenden School, Lower 5th/Year 9 (Freshman Equivalent), High Marks
South Dakota Aerial Arts, 2022-Present, Multiple Awards
Harrisburg High School, 10th grade, Debate

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

South Dakota Aerial and Arts – Aerial Silks Gym and my second home
Travel – I’ve been all around the US, including Alaska, and have been to over 15 countries
Camp Foster – summer camp, I attend 2 weeks overnight every summer since 2015
Ice Skating
Baking
Aerialypics -Aerial Competition, I’ve participated in, Wisconsin, Florida, multiple awards won
Black Hills Aerial Cup – Aerial Competition, participated since 2022, multiple awards won
Skiing
Debate