Posted by Brianna L Hackler on Oct 23, 2019
 
Local high school juniors gathered last week to start talkin' service to prepare for their year as Y.E.S. STUDENTS! The students, all from area high schools, will spend the next year serving communities both locally and internationally through the YES Program to build leadership skills that will last them a lifetime. The two Anacortes Rotary Clubs are proudly sponsoring FIVE of the 11 students during their year in YES, which includes a service trip to Honduras next June. Click to read more about how you can support the program! 
The YES — Youth Engaged in Service — Program was founded by the Rotary Club of Burlington in 2007 as a way for 11th grade Junior students to gain leadership and service opportunities throughout the year. At the end of their year of YES, the students will travel to Copan, Honduras, for two weeks to serve the communities. While specific projects have not been established yet, team leaders will visit Copan next month and consult with members of the IPA to assess the needs of the Honduran villages. 
 
"This is a great opportunity for our local students to not only gain skills that will empower them throughout their life, but also an amazing way for them to see the impact they can make when they give back to their community," said Lynnette Setmire, Youth Program Coordinator for Fidalgo Island Rotary. 
 
During the next year, leading up to their trip, the students will meet once a month to learn about the culture and traditions of the people of Honduras, study Spanish, work on team-building experience and create fundraising projects to offset their trip to Honduras. In addition, they will each complete 80 hours of community service before traveling to Honduras. They'll also be giving back to the clubs that are supporting them, including helping at our Art Auction on March 14 (stay tuned for more information on this upcoming FUNdraiser!)
 
"THAT'S AWESOME!" you say. "How can I help these kids with their amazing opportunity?!" you ask. 
Great question. 
During the next year, students will be fundraising for their trip, including selling tickets to their biggest fundraiser, Luck of the Irish event in March. Keep an eye out for this and other opportunities from this awe-inspiring group of kids. 
 
It's amazing what we can accomplish when hearts and minds work together. See how leaders from countries, cultures, and occupations around the world are taking action — to enhance health, empower youth, promote peace, and improve their community. Join leaders at Fidalgo Island Rotary - the FUN Club!
 
Want to learn more about the YES Program? Click here!