What is ROVA? ROVA stands for Rotary Outstanding Vocational Award. Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change. Rotarians from the New Castle, Ellwood City, Wilmington, and Mohawk Rotaries have joined together to send 9 students from LCCTC to attend this Leadership Camp.
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Gemma G, EC; Kindal P, NC; S Leasure, Wilmington;Michael K, NC; Elizabeth P, EC;
Kaitlyn H, Mohawk, and Alex R, NC wait for the fun to start. |
At first, they weren't told much about what ROVA actually was or what they agreed to, just that, "You will have a lot of fun, and you'll want to return." Why? So we don't spoil the fun! These brave souls agreed to brave potential rain, snow, sleet, and hail when they accepted this opportunity, but it was all worth it. Students from the previous year help in this endeavor to "sell" ROVA to new prospective candidates; each year, they all beg to return, but this is a one-time opportunity, and they feel blessed to have been able to participate, if only for a year.
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| Shelby and Kaitlyn laugh during the "Centipede Race" |
During ROVA activities, they learned strategies that include problem solving, conflict management, time management, and decision making. The results? Increased self-esteem, motivation, self-confidence, better communication skills, and networking capabilities.
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| Abby P trusts her leader in the "Blind Ameoba" |
Sponsored by New Castle Rotary #89, Kindal Procopio, HA, states that one of her "favorite activities at ROVA had to be the electric spiderweb. You really had to trust your teammates during this activity. I don't let just anybody physically lift me up and guide me through a hole on a daily basis. It was really fun!" This activity is a bit nerve-wracking, for certain, but once you learn to follow directions and trust others to ensure your safety, you appreciate the lessons you've learned.
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| Elizabeth works to get untangled |
ROVA promotes leadership and builds friendships with students from other vocational schools in the western Pennsylvania region. This two-day program will push students out of their comfort zones and encourage them to show their real colors with kids that you just met.
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| Gemma sits in on "The River" |
"Personally, this trip showed me that people of all types will come together and wonderful things will become of it," remarks Gemma Gatto, HA (Ellwood City). "I learned that no matter the type of person I am or try to be, the real me will come through. I became friends with kids from my own school I never would have talked to otherwise."
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| Alex is directed by her leader to complete her task. |
Because of the generosity of the New Castle, Ellwood City, Wilmington, and Mohawk Rotaries, nine students were offered the opportunity to attend a once-in-a-lifetime event. Teachers and Staff nominate students based on their potential to lead. A student who attends ROVA must have an outstanding discipline record and have complied with the school's attendance policy.
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| Noodle Knights! |
Kindal Procopio states that "after attending ROVA, I've learned that one of the most valuable things in life is teamwork. If there's no teamwork, there will be chaos. I also learned that when you are working together you end up becoming friends. I loved ROVA because there was absolutely no judgement from the moment I walked in. It was such a wonderful experience and a wonderful way to spend my weekend."
Shelby Leasure, HA agrees with the fun, but she also learned that "even with complete strangers, it's okay to be yourself." She continues, stating, "I learned that teamwork, communication, and strength among people really is a huge part of life. But most of all, I learned how to have real fun."
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| Michael guides a trusting Rovarian through the "Electric Spiderweb." |
Michael Kovokowski, RT ( sponsored by New Castle Rotary) remembers the importance of leadership. "I learned that sometimes, being a leader means working together as a team -- even if it means stepping outside of my comfort zone for the good of that team. I have deepened the friendships with those I already knew, and I now consider those I who I met forever friends.
