For over six decades, HOBY has personified leadership.  Training nearly 10,000 students each year, the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership initiative has empowered students to become effective, ethical leaders in their schools and communities and many of Bridgeport High School’s best and brightest have been featured on the state and national level.

 

All sophomores are invited to apply to represent their class and the school for HOBY each year. This year’s application process included an essay portion on the challenges and advantages of leadership and an interview with three members of the faculty.  Reese Allen was selected as the HOBY representative for 2020, with Maci Cook serving as alternated.

 

Over the years, Allen has immersed himself in community service and school activities.  Through his experience with his church youth group, soccer, band, drumline, DECA and Key Club, he has developed leadership and teamwork skills that helped his stand out as an ideal candidate for HOBY.

 

“Bridgeport has been my home for most of my life and I love the city, the school and the people,” said Allen.  “I am happy to have the opportunity to serve and to learn skills that can help me be a better leader.”

 

Cook, the 2020 alternate, is also very involved with her school and community as a member of Key Club, FCA, Student Council, and orchestra.  She said the application process was challenging but provided a good opportunity to develop leadership skills and find ways to serve the community.

 

After being selected as the BHS HOBY representative, Allen will have his expenses covered for attending the West Virginia HOBY Youth Leadership Seminar, to be held in May at one of West Virginia’s major universities.  The experience will teach Allen how to think, not what to think, and will allow him the chance to collaborate with other student leaders from around the state. The four-day workshop offers hands-on activities that help students develop their own unique leadership skills and give them opportunities to develop programs for their local communities.

 

Although BHS only covers the expenses of Allen, any student can attend HOBY Leadership Seminar, which can be beneficial for future scholarships, employment, and college applications.  Students can also travel to Chicago next summer to attend the International HOBY training that features inspiring speakers and participants from all over the world. Additional information can be found at www.hobywv.org.