Each year, Middleburgh Central School District selects one sophomore to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY), a nationally recognized program designed to empower young leaders. This year, that honor went to Elysse S., who attended the New York East seminar at the University at Albany.
The theme for this year’s seminar was “Constructing Your Leadership Landscape,” bringing together students from across New York state to explore their leadership potential through panel discussions, service work, and team-building activities.
Elysse described the experience as eye-opening and inspiring.
“One of the greatest takeaways for me was something a panelist said in the auditorium — that being a leader is about keeping an open mind,” she said. “There’s a difference between being a boss and being a leader. A real leader has to be accepting of other people’s opinions.”
Participants took part in team challenges, discussions with CEOs, social workers, and entrepreneurs, and collaborated in “color groups” that fostered creativity and communication. Elysse’s team won a challenge for a cheer using a popular song.
“It was intimidating at first,” she said. “You don’t know anyone when you get there, but everyone was really welcoming. You just have to start talking to people, and you’ll get comfortable.”
As part of the weekend’s service, some HOBY students held a food drive at an elementary school in Albany.
“It was very eye-opening,” Elysse said. “We live in such a different situation, and when you actually do a food drive like that, you truly see the need.”
Elysse, selected by multiple teachers for her leadership qualities and communication skills, left the seminar inspired to serve her community.
“I’d like to help organize some service projects locally,” she said. “The service work really made me want to help people who are in harder situations.”
Guidance counselor Paul Pierce said Elysse was the perfect student to represent the district at HOBY.
“She’s humble, personable, and an extremely hard worker,” Pierce said. “She can communicate with anyone — just an intelligent, fabulous student who we knew would thrive in that environment.”
Elysse now hopes to return to HOBY next year as a junior facilitator on the “J-staff” team. In the meantime, she’s considering a challenge to complete 100 hours of community service before the next conference. She and other HOBY attendees from Schoharie and Delaware counties have discussed collaborating on a service project.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to have gone to HOBY,” she said. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me make new friends, and opened my eyes to what leadership really means.”
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