2007 RYLA JC Recommendations
	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 1 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Allen, Haley
To all,

Haley was one of the most excited members on team 20 to be AT RYLA! She is very enthusiastic and cheerful, and did her 
utmost to ensure that everyone had positive feelings about every activity.

She would grow considerably as a JC, and has the potential to go farther than that with RYLA, but if the contest is between 
Haley Allen and Rob Lawrenz, I'm afraid Rob would make the better JC of the two.

With RYLA Love,
Dave
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Amen, Heather
To Dave Boon - YRYLA Chair 2007:

Dave, I’m writing this recommendation for Heather Amen for the position of Junior Counselor for YRYLA 2007.  

Let me start by saying it has been a privilege to know and work with Heather at RYLA.  We first met when I chaired RYLA 
2004 and she was a JC.  I can honestly say that she was outstanding in her concern and love for her conferees.  As you may 
know, her service as a JC led to her being selected as one of the Head JC’s for RYLA 2006.  In that role, Heather single 
handedly rewrote the entire conferee manual so that, for the first time in my RYLA experience, it was actually usable as a 
guide during the week.  Heather was given a Paul Harris Fellowship for her contribution to RYLA, as she truly left her mark on
 RYLA for years to come.

So why YRYLA?  I’m convinced that Heather’s compassion and love for her conferees will make her an outstanding JC for our
 younger kids.  I’ll stake my reputation (as shaky as that may be) on Heather excelling in this role and being a positive role 
model for the kids as well as the other JC’s.

As an aside, I know there were some difficulties with our other head JC as he tried to make this transition from RYLA Head JC
 to YRYLA JC.  I can assure you that Heathers personality, along with her genuine love for RYLA, will ensure that these 
problems will not occur again.

I’d be happy to discuss this one on one if you have any concerns or questions.

Sincerely,
Chuck Rutenberg
District 5440 RYLA Chair

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 2 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bachus, Amanda
From: Kylie Vosler [mailto:kylievoz@hotmail.com] 
Sent: Friday, December 29, 2006 8:05 PM
To: Registrar@RockyMountainRYLA.org
Subject: RYLA 2007 JC Applicant Recommendation

2007 RYLA JC Selection Team:

First of all, let me thank you for taking the time to read everyone's application and letter of recommendation. I am positive you
 will select an amazing group of young men and women.

This letter is to recommend Amanda Bachus for a position as a first year JC at the 2007 RYLA conference.  Amanda was on 
my team last year as a conferee. The first day when Amanda arrived at RYLA, she was very quiet. She was definitely someone 
that really opened up over the RYLA week. I began to see Amanda's leadership qualities when we started work on the team flag.
 She took the leadership role very easily. She also did most of the actual artistic work once our team decided on a design.  She 
then again showed her leadership later in the week when she ended up being in my Make a Difference team.  Our team was 
"Self-esteem" and at first everyone on the team was pretty quiet. Amanda was always ready to jump in and give her two cents 
worth on whatever topic we were discussing. She also said she wanted to be in that particular Make a Difference group because
 she wanted to help people who had lower self-esteem. This showed me Amanda's compassion.

I think that Amanda would make an excellent JC for different reasons.  First of all, throughout the week of RYLA Amanda 
showed great growth in her leadership capabilities.  I believe she took everything she possibly could from RYLA. She told me 
that at the beginning of the conference she didn't want to be there. However, by the end of the conference she was so grateful 
to have been selected to go. Being only one of two "blues" in my team, she let her compassion shine through. She was always 
looking out for others and was one of the only team members that worked to stay in touch with me after RYLA. I believe 
Amanda would make an incredible contribution to the 2007 JC team.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Kylie Vosler
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Brauchler, Ryan
DATE: December 29, 2006

TO:  YRYLA Junior Counselor Committee

FROM:   Joni Triantis

RE: Recommendation for Ryan Brauchler

I would like to recommend Ryan Brauchler for YRYLA Junior Counselor.  I had the pleasure of being his Senior Counselor at 
YRYLA 2006.  I was extremely impressed with Ryan.  He established an instant rapor with the kids and adeptly rallied them 
into the YRYLA "team spirit" on the first night!  Ryan was very good at debriefing.  He not only understood the lessons of each
 activity, but was also able to impart the lesson to the kids in a positive and interactive way (no preaching!).  I especially 
appreciated his ability to respectfully interact with personality types very different from himself (including me!).  I would like 
to see Ryan accepted as YRYLA Junior Counselor, as I believe that he will be a great asset to the kids there, and is also eager 
to benefit from the experience.

Simply put:  YRYLA will be a better camp with Ryan.

Sincerely,
Joni Triantis

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 3 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Burgeson, Brittany
From: Nichole Catlett
December 17, 2006
RYLA 2007 JC Recommendation for Brittany Burgeson

Hey Dave!  I am so excited to see who all of the new Junior Counselors for next year are going to be!  
Brittany Furgeson asked me to write her a letter of reccomendation, so even though I already told you that I would love for her 
to be a junior counselor, this is my official letter of recommendation for her.  From the very first day of hugs and yelling, 
Britt was right thier in the eye of this RYLA tornado enjoying every second of it.  She took control of our group when we had a
 challenge in front of us.  She was always overflowing with encouraging words especially when we did our proudest 
achievement papers.  Britt knew when it was time to be energetic and crazy, and when it was time to be a listener to others.  
She has such an amazing love for others, that it makes me fill up with warm fuzzies thinking about her, and what a fantastic job 
she would do with a rambuctious group of conferees.  I am not sure how long these letters of reccomendations are supposed to
 be, but I could practically write a novel on how qualified Brittany is to be a Junior Counselor at RYLA next year, so before 
this turns into a best seller, I will end by saying that I believe with all of my heart that Britt is the right person for the job.  Her 
hands were designed to shoot dozens of love webs at conferees, and her heart was made to love all two hundred of them.  I 
know that you guys will do a phenomenal job choosing jc's and I really hope that Britt is on that list.  I love you gargantuanly (I 
just made that up)  Have a ryla day!

Yours truly, the rose sniffer, Nichole
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Buss, Daniella
From: r_eatman@mesanetworks.net [mailto:r_eatman@mesanetworks.net] 
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 7:54 PM
To: Dave Amen
Subject: Re: RYLA 2007 JC Applicants

Daniella Buss was a member of my conferee team that showed great promise. I believe she would be an excellent JC. She is 
sensitive, compassionate, enthusiastic, and energetic. I would be pleased to have her as my JC if I couldn’t have KJ.

Bob Eatman

===================================================

From: kj07@juno.com [mailto:kj07@juno.com] 
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2006 4:18 PM
To: Registrar@rockymountainryla.org
Subject: Daniella Buss

Dear Selection Committee,

   I do not hesitate to recommend Daniella to be a JC. She is very mature, and has a very funny sense of humor. I feel that she 
would be very poised in handling in-climate situations. Also, that she would be good at leading RAP sessions, because I trust 
her decision making abilities in selecting which activities should take precedence. Therefore, I would encourage you to 
consider her to be on the 2007 JC Team.

KJ

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 4 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Colling, Emily
From: Amber Hornick [mailto:ahornick3@msn.com] 
Sent: Saturday, December 30, 2006 11:31 AM
To: Registrar@RockyMountainRYLA.org
Subject: Rec: Emily Colling

Hey Dave, here is my recommendation for Emily Colling.
To the JC selection committee,
I am writing in regards to Emily Colling as a potential JC for RYLA XXI. I have known Emily for nearly three years and have 
interacted with her in many aspects.

The first time I met Emily was through a program called Close Up, which gives high school students the opportunity to travel 
to Washington, DC and learn all about the political process. Emily and I were roommates, and by the end of the week, good 
friends. Although I am a year ahead of her in school, I never felt as though our maturity levels were unequal. 

I have never seen Emily give less than her best. She pushes herself very hard to learn from others and makes adjustments to her
 own actions based on what she learns. I saw this is in working with her in a leadership program called Leader’s Challenge. In 
her Junior year Emily participated in the program with four others from our high school, and I was the senior mentor for their 
group, having completed the program myself the previous year. We had a lot of trouble with weekly meeting attendance 
throughout the year, but Emily was never the reason. In group discussions and projects Emily always took the first initiative 
and truly gave her team the strength they needed to push through the year. I also worked with Emily in the National Honor 
Society while she was a Junior, and as long as her schedule permitted, she never failed to help with any project we were 
working on. 

One thing that I very much admire about Emily is her diligence in something she loves, which is theatre and music. Although 
she has a very busy and demanding schedule, she has always found time to participate in school and community plays, choir and
 the church chorus. This is so powerful to me, because it says that she understands that no matter how busy she gets, no matter 
how much she gives to others, she must remember to take care of herself and do the things that make her most happy – to me 
that is grace and maturity at their best.

I think being a JC would be a very good experience for Emily because she has a lot of leadership characteristics which, with a 
little development, could blossom into an amazing leader. There is a saying that says to lead, one must first learn to follow; 
Emily has often fallen into such leadership positions which ask her to follow other leaders instead of being able to be her own 
leader. The position of JC would be good for her because it would allow her to finally lead in her own unique style – to own 
her leadership. I recommend her for the position of JC without reserve, and hope you will very seriously consider her 
application.

Sincerely,
Amber Hornick
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cooley, Nicholas
Nick Cooley: Nick is the epitome of a leader. He is a perwson that if you ever needed anything he would be the first to 
volunteer to help. At RYLA his abilities as a leader shined through in doing such activities as Titan and our team skit. He also 
was instrumental in helping me keep the group organized and getting them to work when needed. Not only is he someone who 
can get down to business, but he also knows how to have fun with his group. Often times, he brought the energy needed in a 
dull moment, and he knows how  to make a person smile even when things are not going so well. So, if you want someone who 
you can count on to get things done, but to also bring energy and humor to any situation, Nick Cooley is your obvious choice. 

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 5 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cooper, David
Letter of Recommendation for David Cooper. 
David "Coop" Cooper was a member of my team at RYLA 2006. He is my number one pick of my group to be a JC for RYLA 
2007. David came to RYLA a little ambivalent about the whole situation but he then was the guy that not only was taking our 
team under his wing, but myself. I had admitted to my team that I was a little unsure how to handle my "rainbow" being in a 
different situation and David was the person that stood next to me and reminded me to stay grounded and enjoy my time at 
RYLA. David is a very driven young man with lots of personality that stretches not only to humor but to taking care of people. 
David reacted to RYLA by flexing his leadership skills and is more then excited to be even considered for RYLA 2007. David 
is a great leader, friend, and is ready for the challenge of helping others enjoy RYLA as much as he did. 
I highly recommend David Cooper for RYLA 2007. 

Ryla Love.
Mei Ratz
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Doiel, Landon
December 29, 2006

Dear Selection Committee:

It is with great pleasure that I would like to nominate Landon Doiel for the junior counselor position.  I believe Landon is an 
excellent candidate that would be more than willing to uphold the expectations of RYLA, as well as Rotary.

For Landon, “Service Above Self” is not only a motto, but a life-long statement.  After his older sister became pregnant, due to
 rape, Landon took over the roles as both father and brother for his now two-year-old twin nieces.  Landon shared this amazing 
story as his proudest achievement our first night together.  He is a very concerned and loving person, and also very open and 
honest.  He doesn’t hold his feelings back, which is a great advantage when you’re a JC.  The conferees need you to be 
completely open and honest right for the get-go.  This in turn, earns their trust and their respect.  Landon would be perfect for 
this job.

A positive attitude is also a necessity as a JC at RYLA.  The junior counselors need something to keep them going.  Their 
positive attitude, as well as the smile on their face, keeps them going.  This, in turn, in reflected in the conferees.  Last 
summer at RYLA, you could hardly find a time when Landon wasn’t smiling and laughing, fully participating in each and every 
activity we did.  And when he wasn’t in the action of the game, he was on the sidelines, cheering his teammates on.  

Landon Doiel is a perfect fit for RYLA.  He had a chance to change his life for the better, and now I believe Landon would be 
the perfect JC to change others lives.

Sincerely,

Audrey Miller, Past JC
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Doran, Kerry
From: bryan cooke 
December 22, 2006
JC Recommendation for Kerry Doran

Hi Bill, 
I'd like to highly recommend Neil Stewart & Kerry Doran for JC consideration.
 
Cheers!  
Bryan Cooke

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 6 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Doty, Andrew
From: Karen Sekich 
December 24, 2006
JC Letter of Recommendation for Andrew Doty

Bill, this guy would be a wonderful JC!!! I will write my formal letter when I return to Colorado from Arizona, but I wanted to 
give you a "heads up" that he is interested.  You may remember Andrew as the guy that took the brunt of our little Asia's wrath 
most of the time.  This was a great learning experience, and I really tried to talk him into applying for the JC position. At the 
time, he said "no" so I am thrilled that he has reconsidered.  I know you want more guys and he would be the best of the best. I 
have not had any luck in reaching Amber for the past few months, and he may not have any luck either.  Does he need a JC to 
recommend him?
Marry Christmas, Karen

============================================

From: Amber Hornick [mailto:ahornick3@msn.com] 
Sent: Saturday, December 30, 2006 11:32 AM
To: Registrar@RockyMountainRYLA.org
Subject: Rec: Andrew Doty

And here is my recommendation for Andrew Doty:
To the JC selection committee, 
I am writing in regards to Andrew Doty as a potential Junior Counselor for RYLA XXI. I had the pleasure of having Andrew as 
one of my conferees last year and although it was only a week, I saw in him characteristics that would be foolish to miss out 
on. 

I’m sure that Andrew’s application and resume already say a lot about him; comes from a great Jesuit school, is a strong 
student, disciplined from sports, extremely involved, and seemingly never at a loss of energy. I do not need to talk about those 
things. What I would like to address is Andrew’s character, his values, and his conduct. 

The first thing I noticed about Andrew as his JC was how comfortable he seemed to feel around the rest of our group, almost 
immediately. If this came naturally to him and he was truly comfortable, then that shows his very personable character. If 
instead he had to make a concerted effort to appear comfortable, that shows his ability to conduct himself in the appropriate 
and most favorable way in any situation. Either possibility shows the skill of blending, of making others comfortable around 
you – something even a great leader may always struggle with doing. 

The first half of the week went very smoothly for him, but as the harder side of the RYLA magic kicked in, Andrew was faced 
with something that made him reevaluate whether or not his conduct was in fact the most appropriate. He had said something 
to one of his fellow teammates, truly out of appreciation and enlightenment, that was received as offensive and ignorant. 
Andrew had a very hard time understanding how such a run-in could even occur, since his intentions were clean and he thought 
that he had a friendship with the other person.  

After a lot of reflection and a few more days, everything worked itself out. A lot was learned and I was able to get a very clear 
look at Andrew’s values and character, interestingly at the same time that he was also getting a look at those aspects of 
himself. I learned that he values the way that he appears to others, advice, and after this situation, he came to value having his 
own convictions and interaction challenged. The most distinctive thing I learned about Andrew’s character out of all this was 
his constant strive to better himself. The little tiff that he had with his fellow conferee could have been overlooked, but 
Andrew would not allow that of himself. In talking to him while he was upset he would not settle for any of the answers I could 
give him or that he could come up with for himself. Andrew was very determined not to give up on trying to understand the 
situation until he had thought of every possible cause, solution, opinion and option that he had, until he found the best way to 
handle what had happened. He showed self-discipline, problem-solving, persistence, critical analysis and maturity. 

Throughout the week at RYLA Andrew always stepped up as the leader in our group. He was very good at getting his teammates
 excited about activities, empowering them athletically and treating everyone with equal importance. He was also always the 
first to show respect to me and our SC during rap sessions when everyone was very excited and easily distracted from the 
focused group. By the end of the week, his teammates were doing the same, and it became evident to me that he is a natural 
leader. I whole-heartedly recommend Andrew for Junior Counselor – it would be foolish to forfeit all that he has to contribute
 to RYLA. 

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 7 of 19
Sincerely, 
Amber Hornick

I hope these offer some help in the selection process...it is so exciting! I hope you had an awesome Christmas, and Happy New
 Year! Thank you so much for all you do for RYLA, and just being awesome in general :)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Doty, Lauren
From: Jeff Trefz [mailto:jwtrefz@msn.com] 
Sent: Saturday, December 30, 2006 1:12 PM
To: Dave Amen
Subject: Re: RYLA 2007 JC Applicants
 
Lauren Doty
 
Lauren Doty is a magnificent person!  She is caring, and absolutely amazing in every possible way.  What stands out to me 
about Lauren is her drive, and her want to be apart of something so amazing!  In the email and several phone calls she has given 
me, she has pushed so much about how much she would absolutely enjoy this position.  I have stayed in contact with her 
throughout the year, and I know she has the ability to drive the JC team of 2007 to absolute greatness.  She excels in school.  
She has a 4.2 at Regis High School, which I know is a really tough private school.  She is an amazing athlete and is apart of the 
Varsity Swim Team at Regis, which I know, from being beaten by Regis my senior year, the only year we had a prayer, is a 
tough feat!  Now also, since I have stayed in touch with her, I know that she participates in Link Crew and Junior Ambassadors 
program at her school.  She is able to juggle all of this work, and athletics, and still have the drive to receive a 4.2 GPA!  She 
will set her heart to whatever she want's to, and now, her heart is on RYLA.  She WILL complete everything that is assigned to 
her, and in a timely manner.  She will also complete it to the best of her ability!  You won't end up with anything half done, or 
even thrown together at the last minute.  It will always be done with the best quality you could ask for.  She is such a fun person
 to be around.  She continually talks about RYLA, and how amazing it was, and how she has taken the love and such that she was 
taught at RYLA and applied it to her everyday life.  I know you can say this about many of the people who attended RYLA, but 
she had the excitement of a JC during her conferee year!  She was just so excited to be apart of something new, and to meet 
new friends.  I know she would BE a EXCELLENT JC!  No doubt about it!  Ask my SC last year, Sandra, and she would tell you
 the same thing.  I really hope you choose her.  I know that she IS JC material.  She would excel, and learn from every activity, 
every Rap session, every word of advice you give her, every moment she is around and living RYLA.  She will soak in every 
single experience of the conferee's and offer a safe haven for each of them.  She will learn how to become an even better 
leader than she is already.  I don't know how much I can stress that she would be the Perfect JC!  She is very mature, she is very
 bright, she is very ready to take on a leadership position that can really change lives!  All I can say is that I hope you pick her.  
That she is perfect for your team!

Lauren Doty lives RYLA in her heart!  Please pick her!
 
Jeff Trefz
236 Parmelee Hall
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Home       303-290-0893
Cell       720-988-4852
Dorm       970-495-5072
 
jwtrefz@msn.com
jwtrefz@simla.colostate.edu

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 8 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fiser, Jessica
From: alex mosness 
To: bill manning ; Lindsay Kaufman ; sam berry 
Sent: Friday, December 29, 2006 11:19 PM
Subject: RYLA JC recommendations

Hi all!
The two girls I am recommending are Jessica Fiser and Maddie Redfern. These two girls were my most enjoyable on my team, 
and I know I am not supposed to have favorites, but sometimes you just cannot help it.

Jessica or Jessy as she goes by was such a joy to have on my team. On the first night at RYLA, I even asked her to help draw in 
another team member who was shy, so she could get the experience. Jessy was all ears, and was just happy to help, and the next
 day, I saw her picking up conversation with the shy one on my team. It made me smile, she wanted to help in any way possible, 
and she did. Jessy also has a twin brother who at the time of RYLA was depressed, and she and her brother were not getting 
along. Jessy had a life changing experience at RYLA because she got to open up about her brother, and I know it helped mend 
her relationship with her brother. Their relationship was at a breaking point, but RYLA healed some of their problems. With 
her experiencing this altering thing, I know she would want to do the same thing for next year's conferees. She would want to 
make their experience as good as her's was, and I have the confidence to say that she would do anything in her power, to make 
them feel the RYLA magic. I am positive that Jessy would be an outstanding JC next year. She has many qualities that a JC 
needs: she is a leader, trustworthy, and accepting to everyone. I would be honored to work with Jessy next year as a JC.

Well, there you have it. Those are my recommendations. I really hope they do well in the judging process. I feel like a mother 
watching their kid at a talent show, it is the judging time, and I am anxiously awaiting the results. No mother wants her kid to 
lose, you know. Gosh, I am such a dork! I do realize that there are only so many spots for this spectacular opportunity, and I 
know you all will make the right decision. I love you all so much!!! Happy NEW YEARS!!!!!

I love you all!
Alex
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fleming, Joshua
Dave, Kaycie and Patrick:  Josh was our clubs last years student exchange -- he was in Argentina for 1 year -- goes to Rocky 
Mountain HS were both of my daughters when -- I knew him before our club chose him as an exchange student.  He would be a 
great addition to our team -- let me know what you think.  

Dave Boon
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Gerlach, Rachel
Rachel Gerlach: Rachel is the type of person that can take control of a situation and can get things done. She is a strong person
 and not only is she beautiful on the ourside, but she has inner beauty as well. During our week at RYLA, I remember leaving 
her tasks to do when I needed help with something and she always got them done without hesitation. She has the qualities that a
 magnificent JC requires, such as honesty, love for others, committment, willingness to go the extra mile and she is very 
outgoing. She definitly brought a different dynamic to our group. 

Gaby Nagy

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 9 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Gonsalez, Jayde
From: Ken Henley [mailto:Henner@sweetwaterhsa.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, January 02, 2007 11:14 AM
To: registrar@rockymountainryla.org
Subject: Jayde Gonsalez

Happy New Year Dave,
 
I am writing on behalf of Jayde Gonsalez, one of my team members last year, to support her request to be considered as a JC 
this year.  You are closer to the selection process so will you please pass this on to the selection committee.  I am sure that 
Sam will have additional input, but I think that she has the necessary skills and commitment to be able to fulfill the role well.
 
Let me know if you need anything further, RYLA love, Ken
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Gonzalez, Brian
From: kj07@juno.com [mailto:kj07@juno.com] 
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2006 4:08 PM
To: Registrar@rockymountainryla.org
Subject: Brian Gonzalez

Dear Selection Committee,
   I do not feel that I can recommend Brian to be a JC.
KJ
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Guarino, Nicholas
From: kj07@juno.com [mailto:kj07@juno.com] 
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2006 4:33 PM
To: Registrar@rockymountainryla.org
Subject: Nick Guarino

Dear Selection Committee,

I feel I can recommend Nick as a JC for next year. 

KJ

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 10 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Klitch, Robin Sonja
From: Dave Amen
December 23, 2006
RYLA JC Recommendation for Robin Klitch

To all,
I seem to be getting asked to write recommendations A LOT this year. I think all of them are great, but there are two conferees
 at the top of my list, and Robin is one of them. She loves RYLA, but she’s most interested in Young RYLA.

As you read in Robin’s application (I know, it’s rather unfair that I can see those, but she insisted on reading the story to me), 
she was pretty torn up at the start of RYLA. She turned that around and became possibly the MOST enthusiastic member of the 
team. She insisted on taking part in every activity, such as conquering Eagle Cliff when much of the rest of the team gave up.

Robin spends much of her time working with kids at the Fort Collins Boys and Girls club, much like she would be doing at 
Young RYLA. She is dedicated and devoted to those kids, and loves doing whatever she can to help them improve their own 
lives. We all know the formula: when we put the needs and desires of others ahead of ours, the others can benefit greatly, and 
sure enough, we benefit too! Well, Robin is one who constantly demonstrates this formula, and the kids at the Boys and Girls 
club are beneficiaries of that.

Robin would bring her enthusiasm and huge heart to Young RYLA for the campers to love and enjoy. I think Robin is perfectly 
cut out for Young RYLA, and I also think that Young RYLA would benefit hugely by having her as part of it.

With RYLA Love,
Dave

==============================================

From: Dave Boon 
December 24, 2006
RYLA JC Recommendation for Robin Klitch

I know Robin as well and she gets an A+ from me too!  I have the pleasure of seeing her in action ~3 times each week at the 
Boys and Girls Club were I run the First Serve program.  I'll be back in country on Jan 4th and will catch up with everyone then.

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 11 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lawrenz, Robert
From: Dave Amen
December 26, 2006
Subject: JC Recommendation for Rob Lawrenz

To all,
I consider Rob THE most outstanding JC candidate. With all of the activities and excitement everyone experiences as part of a 
RYLA team, Rob was always the "rock" everyone else depended upon. Rob led by example, and even stepped up somewhat to 
the role of JC during our rap sessions when my JC was ill. He is very charismatic, but was careful to not take attention away 
from anyone else.

Rob’s demeanor and steady mood attracted everyone on the team to him, and he became their dependable confidant for every 
issue they had and for anything they wanted to discuss. When you meet Rob, he is very open, caring, and easy to get to know – 
he seems like an instant friend. He’s a very good listener, and makes it abundantly clear that he is very interested in YOU and 
wants to hear your story.

I can’t recommend Rob highly enough – he has the potential to do as much for RYLA as the Head JC’s have done and will do!

With RYLA Love,
Dave
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lemmon, Chelsi
From: r_eatman@mesanetworks.net [mailto:r_eatman@mesanetworks.net] 
Sent: Monday, January 01, 2007 7:25 PM
To: Dave Amen
Subject: Re: RYLA 2007 JC Applicants

Dave,
I hope I am not too late to submit another recommendation for Junior Counselor for 2007. Chelsi Lemmon was one of my 
team members last year and she has asked for a recommendation. I am pleased to give her my endorsement. Chelsi was an 
excellent team member and, more important, an effective team builder. She worked very well with others and exhibited 
commendable maturity for one her age. I would be pleased to have her as my JC. We would make a good team and I am sure 
she would be an asset to any SC/JC team.
Bob

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 12 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Leslie, Scott
From: Dave Amen
December 27, 2006
Subject: JC Recommendation for Scott Leslie

To all,
Scott Leslie is a fascinating person, and one who could add completely new perspectives to the team of JC’s.

Scott spent the first 14 years of his life living on a sailboat and being home schooled. He and his family visited all of the 
continents and dozens of countries (I think the number is over a hundred). Scott’s a very smart guy who obviously has had a 
considerable number of worldly experiences behind him. I think this contributed to him having a completely different answer 
and viewpoint from everyone else on the team!

Scott is a theatrical person, but can also be reserved. He was always the team member working to bring everyone back together
 at the times when everything was coming apart (at numerous points during skit practice, and during Titan are the times that 
come to mind). He was the one who ate the dog bone, as an example of his willingness to support the team. Of course, he then 
said he knew it was chicken flavored, because it reminded him of the chicken lunch we had that day!

There is a richness and depth to Scott that I simply didn’t have enough time to learn enough about. His experiences make him 
stand out from the mass of high school students, but being different also generates criticism – which never concerns him. I 
know that there are so many wonderful personalities among the JC’s, and I think Scott would bring a new personality and 
positive viewpoint that would help give all JC’s and his team a new and refreshing perspective on life.

With RYLA Love,
Dave
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Marks, Aubrie
From: Doripaint@aol.com [mailto:Doripaint@aol.com] 
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2006 9:53 AM
Recommendation for Aubrie Marks

Hi Dave,

I met a conferee outside of my group last year who impressed me quite a bit. She and I have been in touch off and on and I 
wrote her and asked if she wanted to apply, but she never answered my e-mail.  So I don't know if that's due to lack of interest 
or that she didn't get my e-mail, or she was too busy as a page in Congress in DC and forgot.  Anyway, if she does apply, I 
would recommend her.  Her name is Aubrie Marks and her e-mail address is aubrie-marks@comcast.net.

Hope you and your family have a great holiday season.

Love, Dori

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 13 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Moreno, Rebecca
From: Jennifer Schrader
Sent: Sunday, November 12, 2006
Recommendation for Rebecca Moreno as RYLA JC

To Whom It May Concern:

In considering new Junior Counselors for the 2007 RYLA, I would like to encourage you to pick Rebecca Moreno based on 
her excellent performance as a conferee at RYLA this past summer. Throughout the week she demonstrated strong leadership 
skills in various group activities and helped facilitate team discussions. She also showed strong compassion for her fellow 
team members. As her counselor last year, I can see no reason why not to choose Rebecca as one of next-years counselors. 
She exhibits all the attributes necessary to be a magnificent JC and holds the RYLA spirit in hear heart.

Jennifer Schrader
RYLA Junior Counselor 2006
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Morin, Millissa
From: Jeff Trefz
December 27, 2006
JC Recommendation for Melissa Morin
 
Millissa Morin is an outstanding individual.  She attends Clear Creek High School, and is a senior this year.  She will not be the
 youngest as I was when entering the elite JC field, which I believe will not only help her along her path, but also aid in her 
development as a leader.  She excelled in the tasks that were presented in front of her when she was participating in the many 
activities RYLA presented.  I believe that she would benefit the most from being a JC.  She has the potential to be a great 
leader, though she hasn't had the opportunity yet to show what she's all about.  She runs and she Ski's.  Both of which don't have 
the opportunity for her to rise up and help others in a moral and supportive way.  I believe that RYLA, with all of the changes 
that are going to be made, would assist her in becoming a great leader.  She would be able to rise up and help the group in 
bonding together to become life long friends not only through the activities, but through every split second that the group is 
together.  This is how I think she would benefit from RYLA.  But, the question remains, how would RYLA benefit from 
Mellissa?  This is obvious once you get to know this awesome individual.  She is very outgoing and loves to have a great time.  
But she never skips out on the Love that RYLA teaches.  She was very quick at catching on and participate in the RYLA back 
rubs, which shows her willingness to try and participate in new things.  With the changes that will be made for RYLA 2007, she
 would excel at helping out, and progressing each and every activity, from collecting her conferee's at the beginning of the 
conference and making them feel welcome, to the newest team building exercise that she wouldn't have participated in last 
year.  She was also very diligent in her work and was able to make each and every experience with her feel like a long time 
friendship.  She is just that easy to get along with.  As a result, she will be quick to take on any task that is assigned to her.
 
Millissa is fun, energetic, friendly, and courteous.  She embodies the spirit of RYLA and would forever brag about her 
experiences if she was selected to be one of the 20 JC's.  
 
Thank you!  I hope you consider her for a JC position!  I know she would excel!!!!

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 14 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Noble, Carson
From: Jenny Gist [mailto:curliehead21@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2006 11:10 PM
To: registrar@rockymountainryla.org
Subject: Recommendation for Carson Noble

To My Fabulous RYLA Friends and Family: December 29, 2006

It is my pleasure to offer a recommendation for Carson Noble.  I had the pleasure of working with Carson during RYLA XX 
and serving as her Junior Counselor. She is a deep thinker, compassionate, intelligent, creative, and warm.  Carson is a young 
woman who others are easily drawn to, because she is understanding and loving of others and seeks to include everyone.  She 
seems to have a firm grasp on her sense of self and is natural and charismatic in groups.  Carson has already excelled as a 
positive leader and I expect she will some day see a benefit of depth and character beyond her contemporaries.

Carson is one of my more memorable conferees, due to her well-exercised cheerleader vocal chords.  It is not just her gusto 
and presence that makes her noticeable in a crowd, but her sensitivity and genuine concern for others as well.  Carson was one 
of the conferees that got a grasp on the RYLA ideal early on in the week and she was quick to try to pull in other conferees 
from our group, before I even requested she do so.  She is a natural leader which also implies that she is one who others are 
quick to follow.  During team activities such as Eggspress and Titan, Carson found a good balance between offering her own 
insight and seeking out the opinions of other group members.  Despite her numerous positive traits, I still cannot recommend 
Carson for the JC position without reservations.

My reservations are not a mark on Carson’s character but rather a sense that she is not quite ready to be a Junior Counselor at 
RYLA.  Timing is crucial and I feel that this year is not Carson’s time.  Given the right training and a little extra time to learn 
more about herself, Carson could be amazing.  It is not that Carson does not have the potential to be an incredible leader, it is 
that I feel she has not yet fully tapped into that potential.  Please still consider her as a valid candidate and take her application 
for what it is worth.  But as her JC, I feel that Carson would serve best as a Junior Counselor if given an extra year.

Carson Noble will always be a special name to me.  She really understood the concept of RYLA and left that week as a changed
 person.  I hope to see her back at RYLA someday, but I feel that 2007 is too soon for Carson to take on such a big role.  I’m 
honored that she asked me to write her a letter of recommendation and I hope to not completely jeopardize her chances to 
come back to RYLA.  However, I feel that you all deserve my honesty because you have some big decisions to make.

Much love to all of you,

Jennifer Gist

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 15 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Redfern, Maddie
From: alex mosness 
To: bill manning ; Lindsay Kaufman ; sam berry 
Sent: Friday, December 29, 2006 11:19 PM
Subject: RYLA JC recommendations

Hi all!
The two girls I am recommending are Jessica Fiser and Maddie Redfern. These two girls were my most enjoyable on my team, 
and I know I am not supposed to have favorites, but sometimes you just cannot help it.

Maddie is just one of those people who are smiling all the time. The kind of rare person who is beautiful inside and out (sorry I
 realize how cliché that is).  She is the type of person who the crowd gravitates to because they know when they see and feel 
something amazing.  Maddie is the girl who you look at, and you just know she is going to do something amazing with her life. 
She is the kind who people ask what she has, and they can never put the exact word on it. IS it her energy, her kindness, her 
ability to see the good in people, her aura, or any of her other great qualities. People can never seem to pinpoint precisely what
 it is. Maddie showed up a little late at RYLA because of the car getting lost. I was rather bummed because I had heard very 
good things about her from Jenny Gist. So when she showed up, I was extremely happy, and when I saw that smile on her face, I
 just knew we had made a positive addition to the team.  Maddie was the one who bonded and melded the team together. She 
took the team from being strangers to being a team. I would have to say that if Maddie is not picked to be a JC, we have lost an 
amazing person that would make an outstanding JC. She would do a wonderful job, and just like Jessy, I would be honored to 
work with her.

I love you all!
Alex
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Repola, Kady
This is a letter of recommendation for Kady to assume a position as a junior consoler to RYLA. Three words come to my 
mind when I hear Kady’s name; Direction, Spirit, and Love. Kady has more personality and love then anyone I have ever met. 
she has the direction of not only caring for people but herself. The reason I chose direction as one of her attributes that should
 have her picked for RYLA is that direction is what a lot of kids find out that they need. They need to be givin’ a hand when it 
comes to the next step in dealing with problems or just conflicts in their lives. Kady has the right direction and the right drive 
to send these kids on the right path after RYLA. Kady has spirit, a spirit that won’t give up. She is always there, she holds on 
until the end of anything whether it be a project, a relationship, or just a smile. This trait of Spirit when it comes to RYLA is 
important because without spirit to hold on and enjoy what is RYLA? The last word that descirbes Kady in my mind is love. 
Kady always has a hug to give, a smile to blaze, and a kind word to set in your lap when you need it. What more could you want 
in a JC? Love, spirit, and direction. For all these reasons and countless more Kady I recommend Kady as a JC for RYLA 2007.

RYLA love..
Mei Ratz

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 16 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rice, Amanda
From: Jennifer Schrader [mailto:Jennifer.Schrader@colorado.edu] 
Sent: Friday, December 29, 2006 11:18 PM
To: registrar@rockymountainryla.org
Subject: Recomendation for Amanda Rice

To whom it may concern:

Yet another one of my amazing conferees wants to be a Junior Counselor next
summer and I am more than willing to recommend her. Her name is Amanda Rice and
she also possesses the true talent it takes to be a JC. She has exorbitant
amounts of energy and a smile that warms your heart. She was very loving and
understanding of  everyone on my team and I absolutely enjoyed having her at
RYLA. She truly found the RYLA Magic and helped to keep it going around my
team. She is exactly the spirit RYLA or YRYLA would be looking for. She is as
good as gold!

-My RYLA best
Jennifer Schrader
RYLA JC 2006
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Runge, Clairissa
Claire Runge: Claire is the type of girl that can hold a group together even through the toughest of situations. Every single 
person in our group, including myself, looks up to her. She knows how to lead and can do it very well. During the week, I was 
able to observe her true leaderness in several instances. The most vivid occurred when I asked her to help me with one of her 
team members. There was this girl who did not want to participate and who often times sat out of many activities, Claire made 
become part of our team. She invited her to conversations and made her feel welcome throughout the rest of the week. Claire 
is a true leader and if given the oppourtunity, she would be an excellent JC. 

Gaby Nagy
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Schafer, Andrew
Andy Schafer: Andy grew a great deal during his week at RYLA. At first, Andy was a bit reserved, but by the end of the week I 
found him leading most discussions and being a vital part of our group. There is one specific time that I recall where his 
potential to be a leader came out. It had just started to rain during our scavenger hunt and my team did not really want to go out 
and look for the item listed. I asked Andy to help me to get the team excited and help me get the team moving so that we could 
win. Andy not only got the team eager to finish the scavenger hunt, but he also was the one that led the whole group. I sat back 
and watched my group as he took them where they needed to go and also asked strangers to help us with the pictures. Through 
the rest of the week, this same kind of eagerness and desire to make every activity a good experience showed in a powerful 
way. He would make a phenomenal JC.

Gaby Nagy

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 17 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sharshel, Loni
From: Bev Stewart [mailto:bevdesigns@comcast.net] 
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2006 6:39 AM
To: Dave Amen; Sam Berry; Lindsay Kaufman
Subject: RYLA JC recommendation - Loni Sharshel

December 18, 2006
RYLA 2007
Recommendation for Loni Sharshel for JC at the 2007 RYLA:
You may remember Loni from the talent show. She read the poem she had written. That made quite an impact on some of her 
school classmates who were in the audience. Many of the Senior Counselors told me they were impressed with the content of 
the poem also. (I have a copy of the poem, if you would like to read it.) 
Loni is a junior this year and has had some tough hurdles in her school life. She tells me life has improved this fall, much to 
the thanks of RYLA. I feel she is a caring young woman who has seen the many sides of people. She can relate well and be 
helpful to others. Loni is an individual who is creative and an individualist. She doesn’t go along with the crowd and stands up 
for what is right.
In our team, she was often a leader and kept things on topic during discussions. I think she would be an excellent Junior 
Counselor. She has the interest and excitement for it. 
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Bev Stewart 970-304-1007
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Shields, Natalie
From: r_eatman@mesanetworks.net [mailto:r_eatman@mesanetworks.net] 
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 7:54 PM
To: Dave Amen
Subject: Re: RYLA 2007 JC Applicants

Natalie Shields has the drive, determination, and desire to succeed. Her leadership skills were demonstrated as she brought 
together a team of leaders who initially had trouble working as a team. Natalie has my endorsement.

Bob Eatman

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 18 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Stewart, Neil
From: bryan cooke 
December 22, 2006
JC Recommendation for Neil Stewart

Hi Bill, 
I'd like to highly recommend Neil Stewart & Kerry Doran for JC consideration.
 
Cheers!  
Bryan Cooke

============================================

From: ser1118@aol.com <ser1118@aol.com>
Date: Dec 30, 2006 4:26 PM
Subject: Neil Stewart letter of REC!
To: lindsay.kaufman17@gmail.com

Thanks lindsay for being so accommodating...you are the best, and it really means a lot to me...so thank you. let me know if 
this is ok.....
:)

 here is my letter of rec for Neil Stewart

 To whom it may concern,
  Neil Stewart would make an excellent JC for the RYLA of 2007. He was by far my most enthusiastic camper and was always 
willing to lend a helping hand. He was the first of my campers that stood out to me, and he really tried to get our team to bond 
quickly. Thanks to his out going effort, our team bonded on our first night, which I was VERY surprised! While most of my 
campers were at first hesitant, Neil wanted more! Neil never caused any drama in the group and was always there for both the 
girl and boy campers as well as both me and Brian. In the end, if anyone ever needed anything, he was the first one to offer. He 
was always spirited, decked out in all of our groups decorations everyday! He was always the loudest to cheer, and the one that 
made the others want to get louder. He is a great leader, yet still knows when to follow, and let the others lead. He is an 
excellent listener and also knows when to give his advice. Neil still to this day stays in touch with me, which I cherish dearly. 
In all, there are really not enough good things I can say about Neil, he is positively a delight, and he knows what RYLA is about,
 and he had the RYLA magic. I would 100%, with all my heart recommend Neil to a JC position. I know he would do an 
amazing job and really bring something special to the group. RYLA would be very lucky to have him.

 Thanks,

 Sincerely,
 Stephanie Remigio

	Wednesday, January 24, 2007	Page 19 of 19
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Travis, Brian
Hi Dave & Bill,
 
Since I won't be joining you for RYLA in 2007, I thought I'd get my reccommendations for JC to you before the end of 2006. 
These kids would make greeat JCs:

Brian Travis <futurflyer@comcast.net>, 
 
Thanks for your consideration & may 2007 be a bumper year for RYLA!
 
Cheers!
 
Bryan Cooke
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yurash, Melissa
From: john miller [mailto:liljohndtd77@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Friday, December 29, 2006 2:44 PM
To: Registrar@rockymountainryla.org
Subject: RYLA JC Recommendation

Hello this is Johnathan Miller I have been involved with Young RYLA and Big Ryla for six years now! i was writing this letter 
to recommend a Mellisa Yurash to become a JC at Ryla. She was in my group (Group12) at Ryla in 2006! She was an amazing 
young woman that had a tremendous amount of potential to become a great leader in life! She stepped up in our group and did 
many of the unwanted jobs like taking notes and writing thank you notes! she could get everyone's attention when she had 
something to say! Mellisa always made sure that everyone was included in group discussions and activities. I belive that 
Mellisa would be a great addition to our Ryla family and has the potential change so many young people like all of our past Jc. 
Thank you again! 
 
                                                     All my RYLA Love,
                                                     Johnathan Miller