Some of our new members and support team members having been winning awards for their efforts,
The following is a summary of their achievements.
RYLA Leader: The RYLA Leader Award is designed to showcase the incredible work that people are putting in to make their RYLA Programs possible! The RYLA Leaders Award is for all of the leaders, facilitators, mentors, and coordinators.
Henry Thomas-Kircher (WINNER!) RYLA 2019
Henry is a highly respected leader within the wider team of RYLA in District 9920 and has transitioned from 2IC to take complete responsibility for the outdoor portion of the 9920 program. This is a highlight of the 9920 program and involved coordinating 180 x people (120 x Ryla participants +60 x volunteers) vehicles, cooks, engineers, communication team, command centre staff and govt liaison (govt land is used). In addition managing the risk around weather, health and safety (a huge requirement for activity on govt land). He managed this incredibly well and did an amazing job. Directing staff who are all active or retired NZ Army officers commended him on the job done to a standard which they compare to their own experience.
RYLArian of the Year: Celebrates the incredible work that past RYLA participants are doing in their personal and professional and the positive impacts that they are having on the community.
Amy Strang (FINALIST) RYLA 2023
Amy is someone who truly used RYLA 9920 (supported by Rotary Newmarket) and RYLA Oceania which she attended in 2024 as a launchpad for her career development and positive impact.
Not only did she take a career leap, moving from Air New Zealand to Airbus in Toulouse, France (her first time in Europe, and without speaking French!).
Within one year she had received a promotion and several recognitions. At 27, Amy has been leading sustainable aviation programs in hydrogen and marketing across Asia Pacific, America and Europe at the world’s largest aviation company – Airbus.
In addition, she became the first New Zealander to complete the Sahara Half Marathon in the Refugee camps of Algeria, raising thousands of dollars.
And this month she’s invited to launch the Emerging Leaders in Sustainable Aviation group at the International Aviation Innovation Summit, Montreal. Amy singlehandedly created this initiative to accelerate sustainable aviation action, developing a committee of diverse young people across the world, securing a sponsoring parent company (ATAG), and world-leading speakers.
Patrick Deane
Rotary International People of Action Honors: Champions of Tomorrow
Age limit
13 to 30yrs of age (Interact, Rotaract, RYLA Alumni)
What is RI looking for in the person:
Projects that impactful, sustainable & scalable models of service for clubs around the world.
RYPEN 9920 is nominating Patrick Deane for this award
RYPEN D9920 is now modelled to be highly sustainable with the evolution of young RYLA leaders leading & running the Program with little oversight by an experienced Rotarian. The constant stream of mentor/buddying systems within the RYPEN HQ Leadership team has allowed the program to grow.
Summary of Patrick Deane's journey:
- Attended RYLA 2024
- Led Summer RYPEN 2025 in Kokako Lodge, Auckland
- Co-lead FIJI RYPEN 2025 in Naumosi, Suva, Fiji
- Co-lead Winter RYPEN 2025 in The YMCA camp, Whangaparaoa Peninsula
- Co-lead D9940 RYPEN 2025 in Kawhatu Outdoor Education Centre
- Leading the planning for a Project Working Bee with Newmarket Rotary at the Motutapu Outdoor Education camp (MOEC)
- Proposed Leader of the 2026 Summer RYPEN camp, Hunua Falls Camp, Auckland
- Currently planning and proposed leader of the first Samoa RYPEN camp in 2026
- Rotary Club of Newmarket Youth Support Committee
Patrick has taken on the leadership role and responsibilities within the RYPEN program as well as others. He is organised, value-driven and believes in the RYPEN Program and how it changes and shapes a young adults' life.
Patrick is going to be the next Chair for our RYPEN D9920 program.
In addition to all this Patrick is a key account Manager and logistics specialist in the FMCG sector
RYLArian Service Above Self: Celebrates all of the RYLA participants who are doing amazing work with Rotaract, Rotary, or other Rotary Programs.
Caitlin Lorigan (WINNER) RYLA 2022
Caitlin possesses a remarkable talent for creating engaging video summaries of each day’s events. At the conclusion of our activities during both RYPEN and Disability Day, she presents concise three-minute videos that capture the essence of our experiences. These presentations not only showcase the highlights but also bring the group together to reflect on the day’s achievements and memorable moments. It is a no mean feat with limited internet connection at camp’s location. She has done so since 2022. Check out our @rypendistrict9920 IG page
This candidate truly embodies the spirit of *Service Above Self* through their ongoing dedication to Rotary youth programs. As the RYLA District 9920 Awardee in 2022 and a RYLA Team Leader from 2023 to 2025, she has continually uplifted others through mentorship and service. Her leadership in RYPEN—serving as a lead for five events and helping organise the first-ever RYPEN Fiji—demonstrates their commitment to empowering youth across diverse communities. They have also supported inclusive initiatives such as the RYPEN Disability Day events and contributed behind the scenes by growing the RYPEN social media presence, capturing event highlights through photography and videos, and showcasing the achievements of fellow participants. In 2024, they co-led the inaugural District 9920 Rotary Youth Showcase, connecting youth programs with the wider Rotary network. Their consistent, humble, and impactful service makes them a standout candidate for the RYLA Service Above Self Award.