At the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, twelve youth program participants brought fresh energy to the District Conference—moving more than 340 Rotarians and sparking new momentum for Youth Service.
Youth programming wasn’t a side note—it was woven through all three days and placed at the heart of the conference.
Cassie Howder—based at Rotary International headquarters and advisor to the Issaquah Interact Club—also champions youth service across District 5030 in her “free time.” She coached and coordinated seven youth program speakers, helping them shape powerful, personal stories for the main stage. The result: standing ovations, tears, and renewed commitment from Rotarians in the room.
Highlights from the Main Stage
Lars Hill, a senior at Gibson Ek High School, shared how he navigated severe social anxiety during the pandemic—and how Interact became a safe, supportive form of exposure. Today he serves as co-president of Issaquah Interact and as a RYLA Northwest facilitator.
Jason Smith of Monroe High School, a recent short-term Youth Exchange participant, spoke candidly about bullying and feeling like he didn’t belong. His exchange in Germany helped him build confidence, embrace what makes him different, and realize he can create connection anywhere.
Sallye Lindsay, President of the Federal Way Rotary Club, joined Jason to reflect on how her Youth Exchange to Australia nearly 30 years ago still shapes her life. She is current President of Federal Way Rotary and serves on a task force working to re-ignite our district’s youth exchange program.
Elena Pizarro shared how attending last year’s Rotary International Convention in Calgary inspired her to launch the Interact District 5030 Student Council—a student-led effort to connect clubs, support new ones, and expand awareness of programs like RYLA and Youth Exchange.
Sahasra Jayaseelan described arriving from Singapore in 2021 unsure where he fit in—and finding community (and a leadership path) through Interact. He now serves as secretary and treasurer of the Interact District Council.
Kate Matos reflected on how attending RYLA as a high school student in Northern New Jersey—while navigating the aftermath of 9/11—shaped her lifelong commitment to service. Leilani Nahaku shared her own arc: from first-time RYLA participant at 16 to leading the program a decade later.
Speaking to an audience of 340+ would be a defining moment for anyone. These young leaders and program champions met it with poise, sincerity, and stories that will stay with us.
More than a dozen youth registrants jumped in all weekend—attending sessions, introducing speakers, and engaging shoulder-to-shoulder with Rotarians. As with the 2023 Victoria conference, they brought warmth, energy, and momentum to every room they entered.
One Rotarian captured the sentiment perfectly: “How many Interact clubs do we have? Where are all the rest?”
Next time, we hope to welcome even more youth voices—and even more clubs—into the conference experience.
Our sincere thanks to Cassie Howder, Kate Matos, Leilani Nahaku, Sallye Lindsay, Lars Hill, Jason Smith, Elena Pizarro, and Sahasra Jayaseelan—for their time, their stories, and their leadership.
