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RYLA District 7255 "Service Above Self"
RYLA Leadership Team
Yean Franco-Marin
Chairperson
Yean’s RYLA journey began in 2014 as a high school sophomore...
Rich Wells
Committee Member
Rich has been part of the RYLA family along with his wife Lydia since 2002...
RYLA Youth Committee
Giuliana D'Alessandro
Carle Place High School
Giuliana D’Alessandro is a senior at Carle Place High School who brings a mix of creativity and dedication to everything she does. She has a strong academic drive, with a challenging schedule filled with AP and college-level courses. Although what really sets her apart is how she connects her academic pursuits with meaningful leadership, as she is currently serving as President of both the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society, and Secretary of the Italian Honor Society. Outside the classroom, Giuliana is deeply involved in the arts. She’s been a part of her community’s student-run musicals, not just on stage, but behind the scenes as Assistant Director, Choreographer, and Costume Designer. As Vice President of the Drama Club, she’s helped support her fellow performers on and offstage. Similar to her passion for music and acting, she also dances at the Hannah Kroner School of Dance. When she’s not on the stage or in the classroom, she can be found on the court. She has played on the Varsity Girls Tennis team since her sophomore year and serves as manager for the Boys Varsity Tennis team, finding joy in both competition and the game. On top of her academic and extracurricular commitments, Giuliana has explored entrepreneurship as well. During her freshman and sophomore years, she opened and ran her own Etsy shop, Tees and Biscuits Co., gaining hands-on experience in business while pursuing her love for design and fashion. Giuliana is beyond grateful for this opportunity and can not wait to see what this year’s Youth Committee will achieve.
Lia Donohue
Port Jefferson High School
Lia Donohue is a dedicated student leader, athlete, and community member with a strong record of involvement. She currently serves as class president and historian, roles she will continue into her senior year. As a member of the National Honor Society, Lia is committed to academic excellence and service. She is an active member of the Interact Club, contributing to service projects as well as volunteer efforts, as and competes in Mathletes, where she enjoys applying her critical thinking skills. Athletically, Lia has played varsity soccer all four years and will serve as team captain in her senior season. She also plays on the basketball team and values the teamwork and discipline sports have taught her. In her final year, she will represent her peers as part of the Section XI Student Leadership Advisory Committee. Lia’s wide-ranging involvement reflects her passion for leading by example and creating meaningful change in her school and community.
Jake Leitgeb
Sachem North High School
Jake Leitgeb is a driven and conscientious senior at Sachem North High School whose heart lies in service, impact, psychology, and, of course, RYLA. As an ardent leader—known for his thoughtfulness and thoroughness—Jake brings intention and passion to everything he does, coaching himself in French to fluency and mastering the Bass Clarinet well enough to earn first chair in the Sachem North Wind Ensemble in addition to a NYSSMA All-State nomination. Simultaneously, he excels academically across many rigorous courses, earning an Excellence in Chemistry Award and being nationally recognized as both a QuestBridge College Prep Scholar and a National Horatio Alger Scholar. He serves as President of the National Science Honor Society and Model UN as well, where he’s earned multiple delegate awards, and is an active member of six other national honor societies. He also conducted research on generational trauma and cultural psychology through the AP Capstone program, further highlighting his intellectuality. Outside the classroom, Jake takes initiative in the Dirty Dozen Thanksgiving Food Drive and Leo’s Toy Drive, is the coordinator of his school’s annual career fair, and tutors nationwide through Schoolhouse, highlighting his altruism and demonstrating his commitment to uplifting others. Similarly, through the Farmingville Youth Leadership Civic, he researches, designs, and leads mental health initiatives to further his goal of empowering others and expanding accessibility. Jake truly considers RYLA the second home where he found the confidence, values, and community that continue to inspire his every endeavor, and can’t wait to shape that experience for others during his journey as a Youth Committee Member!
Tiwa Ojutiku
Stony Brook School
Tiwa Ojutiku is a senior at The Stony Brook School, where she is deeply involved in campus life and leadership. During her senior year, she serves as a Mentor Captain, overseeing and planning events for student mentorship groups, and continues her role on the Admissions Executive Board, coordinating campus tours, open houses, and orientation events. In previous years, she served as a Class Council Representative, Vice President of the junior class, and a mentor to middle school students. She has received numerous academic honors, including High Honor Roll and Cum Laude recognition, highlighting her drive for academic excellence. Additionally, Tiwa is a lead attorney on her school’s Mock Trial team and a quarterfinalist in the 2025 Suffolk County Regional High School Mock Trial Competition. She has also participated in legal programs such as the Yale Summer Legal Scholars Moot Court and the EDNY Justice Institute, while shadowing attorneys to deepen her understanding of the legal field. Beyond academics, Tiwa is a dedicated varsity and former club swimmer, as well as a swim instructor who leads lessons ranging from infants to adults. As a classically trained pianist and jazz enthusiast, she enjoys sharing music through performances at nursing homes and church services across Long Island. Moreover, her commitment to global engagement is reflected in her work hosting Senegalese students through an immersive cultural exchange that broadened students’ perspectives and sparked their curiosity. By offering language assistance, Tiwa fostered meaningful conversations that built strong connections and improved communication. She also organized fundraising efforts to provide essential educational resources for the students’ academic needs. Tiwa remains passionate about service and continues to stay involved with the Rotary community through RYLA. She hopes to help create meaningful experiences for RYLArians, just as RYLA has done for her.
Marissa Neice
Saint Mary's High School
Marissa Neice is a driven and involved senior attending Saint Mary’s High School. As a dedicated student-athlete, she is a member of the Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Lacrosse teams and has been a starter since her freshman year. Marissa balances her athletic pursuits with academic distinction, serving as Treasurer of the National Honor Society and co-founding the Future Medical Professionals Club, as well as serving as the President. Her passion for mentoring others is evident through her work as a peer tutor, babysitter, and junior lacrosse referee. In addition, she shows her commitment to her school community through involvement in events as a Senior Shepard and Open House tour guide. Marissa continues to give back as a volunteer for the Glen Cove Lacrosse Program since 7th grade and remains actively involved in student government as a class representative. She is honored to be part of the Youth Committee for RYLA and is excited to grow further as a leader in the year ahead.
Mishkatur Rizvi
Sachem North High School
Mishkatur Rizvi is a dedicated Sachem North High School student with a strong passion for nursing and community service. He has volunteered at Mount Sinai Hospital and taken on leadership roles in local youth programs. A proud RYLA graduate and facilitator, Mishkatur is known for his commitment to service and leadership. He is actively involved in clubs and honor societies at school, balancing academic success with meaningful extracurriculars. Outside the classroom, he is a dedicated athlete who plays soccer and wrestles. Mishkatur plans to pursue a nursing degree, combining compassion with hands-on care to make a difference in others’ lives. He aspires to use his skills to support vulnerable populations and bring comfort to those in need. Driven by empathy and a desire to serve, he is committed to making a lasting impact in his community and beyond.
Brady Schultz
Westhampton Beach High School
Brady Schultz is a Senior at Westhampton Beach High School. At school, he enjoys being a part of the theater department and participates in school musicals and plays. He has also been a part of the varsity tennis team since sophomore year. Brady always looks for ways to help others, including being a peer tutor at his high school. He is very active in his community and helps run the little free food pantry in Westhampton Beach. He is also a member of Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance Association where he is becoming a New York State certified EMT to further give back to his community. Brady is looking forward to making personal and professional relationships through RYLA and encouraging others to give back to their community.
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