Paula Maroney, co-sponsor with Petra Garcia of the Rye High Leos, says their Leo members are an outstanding, cream-of-the-crop bunch of youth. She shared, “Petra and I love these kids! They are just like family. I hope the parents know how much we appreciate being able to work with these kids. It is an honor to watch them get involved and have fun while serving the community. The teachers and counselor at Rye High School are so good. We would not be able to do it without them.”
Members of the Leo club are devoted young people who realize the power of action. They learn about leadership, experience, and opportunity while giving back to the community and growing as an individual.
Being a Leo looks good on a college application, but being a Leo is much more than just service. It is establishing values and ethics that can follow through the rest of your life. Leos and Lions form a powerful partnership, and Leos can gain access to the knowledge of those who’ve successfully served the world for decades.
The Rye Leos are currently working on one of their favorite projects. They are putting together Valentine cards and packages of candy that they will be delivering to the veteran's home in Walsenburg. Maroney says when the Leos talk about their projects, this one is often named as their favorite. They really enjoy visiting with the elderly patients and the patients love to hear and see the enthusiasm of the youngsters.
The Leos complete several projects each year in the community, some as the Leo Club alone and some in conjunction with the Lions Club. They always work at the car show and help with the Christmas food and gift program the Lions do.
Maroney reflected on how excited the students were to be able to come back to Leo meetings after having had them interrupted for COVID. She says the students that had been in the Leo program before, came back and brought their friends. The younger ones that had not been a part of it before were quick to learn it is a fun organization.
There are twenty-five members in the Rye Leos at this time. The Leos meet once a month at Rye High School in the art room during homeroom time. The next meeting will also be their Valentine’s Day gettogether, as the meeting will be Monday, February 14. Anyone interested can call Maroney for more information at 719-489-3853.