April 9 - 11, 2027
Meet the RYLA 2026 Alumni
Last year, they were high school juniors just like you, figuring out what RYLA was all about. Now, as seniors, they've been chosen as the best of the best!
These RYLA Alums planned the entire 2026 RYLA weekend. Do you want to be considered for the Alumni class of 2027? Interest forms will come out in spring 2026.
Alana Clack
Call Sign: “Sunshine”
East Village Middle College High School
Favorite Quote
“There can be 100 people in the room and 99 of them don’t believe in you, but all it takes is one and it just changes your whole life.”
– Lady Gaga
Alyza Sitts-Leyva
Call Sign: "Fruit Ninja"
Mt. Carmel High School
Favorite Quote
“Be curious, not judgmental.”
– Ted Lasso
Amy Armstead
Call Sign: “Batgirl”
Santana High School
Favorite Quote
“Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Cashton Benasfre
Call Sign: “Cash Money"
La Jolla High School
Favorite Quote
“I’d rather trust and regret, than doubt and regret.”
– Kirito from S.A.O.
Ashley Watkins
Call Sign: “Bing Bong”
Escondido Charter High School
Favorite Quote
"I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow”
– Maya Angelou
Francisco Martinez
Call Sign: “Karate Kid”
Olympian High School
Favorite Quote
“It may be for a moment, but my fire roars up so bright and hot, it's almost blinding.”
Janette Ochoa
Call Sign: “Soprano”
Escondido Charter High School
Favorite Quote
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”
– Master Oogway
Leonardo Nava
Call Sign: “Birdman”
San Marcos High School
Favorite Quote
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
– Ferris Bueller
Mary Lund
Call Sign: “Swan”
Academy of Our Lady of Peace
Favorite Quote
“In traveling, a companion, in life, compassion.”
–Haruki Murakami
Mia Gidey
Call Sign: “Scuba”
The Preuss School UCSD
Favorite Quote
“If you focus on what you left behind, you will never see what lies ahead.”
–Ratatouille
Sonakshi Kanakala
Call Sign: “State Farm”
Scripps Ranch High School
Favorite Quote
"The meaning of life is to give life meaning.”
– Viktor E. Frankl
Vince Quach
Call Sign: “Pizookie”
Del Norte High School
Favorite Quote
“Those who can, do. Those who can't talk about those who can.”
– Denzel Washington
Wyatt Permetti
Call Sign: “Brethren”
Santana High School
Favorite Quote
"With great power comes great responsibility”
– Uncle Ben