Rotary Club of Sarasota
organization:
rotary club of sarasota
category:
Service
role:
newsletter editor, speaker, delegate
Year:
2020-2026
Overview
I worked with the Rotary Club of Sarasota from grades 7–12 as a speaker and newsletter editor, producing 50+ weekly publications for an adult audience and presenting at club meetings. I was recognized three times for Rotary awards: the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) and Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders (S4TL), state leadership programs focused on ethical service.
Reporting and Writing
I reported on weekly Rotary meetings, guest speakers, and service initiatives, transforming notes and drafts into clear, structured newsletters for a professional adult readership while maintaining accuracy and consistency across 50+ issues.
Editing, Leadership
and Team Building
I managed production of the Rotary SMILE newsletter, editing articles, layout, and coordinating with adult contributors. Through RYLA and S4TL leadership camps, I strengthened my leadership around accountability, collaboration, and impact.
design
I built a consistent newsletter layout prioritizing hierarchy, alignment, and readability for busy readers, ensuring clarity and professionalism in print distribution.
broadcast journalism
I created videos and other visual content at Rotary leadership camps.
photojournalism
I documented Rotary service events, capturing moments that reflected community engagement and pairing images with contextual captions to support accurate storytelling.
Law, Ethics and News
Literacy
Producing communication for a civic organization required verification, respectful representation, and responsible messaging. Leadership training at RYLA and S4TL reinforced ethical decision-making and public accountability.
Marketing and
Audience Engagement
The weekly newsletter functioned as both record and engagement tool, sustaining member involvement and highlighting service opportunities. My three youth leadership recognitions reflect consistent audience trust and contribution.
Commitment to
Diversity
Through Rotary’s “Service Above Self” mission, I documented and participated in initiatives serving diverse community populations, reinforcing my commitment to inclusive representation in civic storytelling.
personal growth
Working alongside adult professionals from middle school onward reshaped how I see journalism. It is not extracurricular. It is public trust. Editing consistently, speaking confidently, and leading ethically prepared me to approach all media work with responsibility and purpose.
calista ream
pine view, class of 2026
