RYLA Aplications 2026

Personal Data

Rotary Club: Rapid City SD

Name: Ellah M Brock

Gender: Female

School Grade: Sophomore

School – St Thomas More Highschool

Primary Phone Number – 605.415.6279

Address: 5247 Weathervane Lane Rapid City, SD 57703

Parent/Guardian Information:

Lisa Hofman

Phone: 605.431.2748 Email: [email protected]

Relationship – Mother

Vision

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

I hope participating in RYLA will help me grow both as a leader and as a person. I want to build my confidence, especially when it comes to speaking up, working with others, and taking initiatives. I’m excited to meet new people from different schools, hear their perspectives, and learn how to collaborate in new ways. I also hope to gain skills like communication, problem solving, and decisio -making that I can bring back to my school and use in activities or clubs. Overall, I’m looking forward to stepping outside my comfort zone, challenging myself, and becoming a more motivated and responsible leader in my community and school.

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

To me, “service above self” means putting others needs before your own and choosing to help without expecting anything in return. It’s about being willing to give your time, effort, and energy to make a positive difference in someone else’s life or in your community. As a current highschooler, I see it as showing kindness in everyday moments like supporting friends, helping classmates, or volunteering when I can. It also means being selfless even when it’s not the easiest choice, and understanding that small actions can have a big impact. Overall, it’s about leading with compassion and using what you have to benefit others.

Past and Current Experience

Have you ever volunteered before? – Yes

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

Parish Volunteer (Grounds & Facility Maintenance)
– Our Lady of the Black Hills (OLBH) — May 2025
– Raked and removed pine needles and cones from church grounds
-Assisted with general outdoor upkeep and beautification

Church Facility Assistant
-Our Lady of the Black Hills (OLBH)
-Deep cleaned library and organized materials
-Cleaned pews and folding tables for parish use
– Supported preparation and maintenance of shared spaces
Childcare Volunteer / Babysitter
-Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) — Weekly (Wednesday nights)
-Supervised and cared for children during parish events
– Ensured a safe, engaging, and respectful environment
Event Volunteer – “Chuck-a-Puck” Fundraiser (Toys for Tots)
– December 19, 2024 & December 13, 2025
– Assisted in fundraising event operations
– Helped support donation efforts benefiting children in need
Meal Packing Volunteer
– Packing Hope — Annually since preschool
– Participated in assembling meals for communities in developing countries
– Worked collaboratively in large group service projects
– Food Distribution Volunteer
Feeding South Dakota — Dates unspecified
– Assisted in food packing and/or distribution efforts
– Contributed to addressing food insecurity in local communities

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

Who’s Toy House
March 7, 2026 – Present

Assist customers with finding toys and gifts
Operate the register and handle transactions
Stock shelves and organize merchandise
Maintain a clean and welcoming store environment

St. Thomas More After-School Childcare
October 3, 2025 – Present

Supervise and engage with children in a safe environment
Help with homework and educational activities
Organize games and group activities
Ensure cleanliness and follow safety guidelines

Old MacDonald’s Farm
May 2024 – October 2024 & May 2025 – October 2025

Worked in the gift shop assisting customers with purchases
Operated the register and handled transactions
Stocked shelves and organized merchandise displays
Maintained cleanliness and organization of the shop

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

SD Catholic Daughters of the Americas – poetry contest – 2nd place and 1st place – 2023-2024
7th Grade honor roll
8th grade honor roll
9th grade honor roll

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

1.) HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)
My most meaningful activity, where I’ve developed leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. I’ve also taken initiative by managing our social media, helping promote events and keep members engaged.

2.) Wrestling Team Manager
This role has taught me responsibility, adaptability, and how to support a team behind the scenes. I also run the team’s social media, helping build team spirit and keep the community informed. I have been a wrestling Manager since my freshmen year and I plan to continue all throughout highschool. I also am considering working with a sports team in college as my dream is to work in sports, specifically the NHL.

3.) Yearbook Committee
Being part of yearbook has strengthened my collaboration and creativity, as I work with others to capture and represent important moments from our school year.

4.) Theatre Crew
Theatre crew has helped me become more detail-oriented and dependable, as I contribute to making productions run smoothly behind the scenes.

5.) Social Media Management (HOSA & Wrestling)
Through managing these accounts, I’ve gained experience in communication, organization, and leadership by taking initiative and representing groups within our school.