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WGC Rotary Celebrates Tess Settle’s RYLA 2026 Success

Tue, Oct 27th 2026 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

WGC Rotary presents RYLA 2026 awardee Tess Settle with her certificate at Terranova Restaurant.


Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club Celebrates Tess Settle’s RYLA Success

Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club met this week for a special evening to celebrate guest of honour Tess Settle, the club's sponsored recipient of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2026.

Tess had previously addressed the club via Zoom during the business meeting on Tuesday, 20th October. Special thanks are extended to Oaklands College for allowing her time away from scheduled lessons to present to members. Tess is currently studying Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and completing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at St Albans College, with ambitions to study mechanical engineering and pursue a career in motorsport.

Following her online presentation, eleven Rotarians gathered at Terranova Restaurant at Stanborough Lakes for a formal dinner, where Tess joined members in person to receive her official RYLA certificate.

Presentation by District Governor Dr Kendal Pitt

The club was honoured to welcome Dr Kendal Pitt, District Governor of Rotary District 1260, who presented the certificate. Dr Pitt congratulated Tess on successfully completing the intensive residential course, which takes young people away from home for a week of character-building outdoor activities ranging from raft building to launching water rockets.

Speaking prior to the presentation, Dr Pitt highlighted the transformative nature of the programme:

"Everybody comes there as individuals, and they leave as a team."

He added that the RYLA initiative reflects the core values of Rotary: doing good, having fun, and making a positive difference in oneself and the wider community.

Reflecting on the experience, Tess Settle said:

"The RYLA residential was so much fun! It taught me key leadership skills and helped me find new friends. I highly recommend it!"

What is the Rotary Youth Leadership Award?

RYLA is a flagship Rotary International youth programme designed for young people aged 15 to 17. Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club identifies and sponsors local students demonstrating strong leadership potential. Selected candidates attend an intensive residential course packed with outdoor challenges, team exercises, and practical workshops aimed at building confidence, sharpening problem-solving abilities, and forging lasting friendships.

Applications Now Open for RYLA 2027

Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club is inviting local schools, parents, and youth organisations to submit nominations or applications for RYLA 2027 candidates. As District Governor Dr Kendal Pitt noted, these places offer a unique experience for young people looking to develop their potential.

To apply or nominate a candidate, please contact Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club via email at wgc.rotary.secretary@gmail.com.

The club extends its warmest congratulations to Tess Settle on her achievement and wishes her every success in her future engineering studies.