Illinois High School Students Attend Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar in Chicago

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 11, 2009 -- 150 Illinois high school sophomores will attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar in Chicago June 12-14, 2009. The Seminar will be held on the campus of Robert Morris University in the Chicago Loop.

This 3-day Seminar will bring together a select group of high school sophomores from public and private high schools to interact with groups of distinguished leaders in business, media, non-profit, and the professions in panel discussions on such topics as the government’s role in the financial markets; Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics; and the changing face of media. HOBY students will also experience the importance of giving back to the community as they work in conjunction with the annual Chicago Cares Servathon.

The goal of the HOBY program is to provide a stimulating forum for learning about critical issues while broadening students’ understanding of their leadership potential and quest for self-development. As the students are exposed to new ideas and engage in challenging topics, HOBY hopes to illustrate how to constructively think and discuss complex issues with individuals from various backgrounds and beliefs. The goal is to show the Ambassadors how to think rather than what to think. HOBY leaders are also challenged to return to their communities to perform at least 100 hours of community service within 12 months following the Seminar.

Local volunteers work throughout the year to plan, organize, fundraise, and execute the Seminar. This year’s Chicago Seminar is made possible with many private donations and gift in kind contributions. Gift-in-kind contributors include Robert Morris University, Dr. Judith Wright, Dominick’s, and Potbelly Sandwich Works. We also thank our many individual and corporate sponsors and Chipotle for their support.

Since 1958 HOBY has been a part of more than 345,000 students’ lives, many of whom continue to volunteer on HOBY seminar planning committees, in their local communities, and schools to keep the HOBY spirit alive.
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership was established in 1958 by the popular actor Hugh O’Brian, following a visit to Africa where he was inspired by a meeting with Dr. Albert Schweitzer.

“One of the things Schweitzer said to me was that the most important thing in education was to teach young people to think for themselves,” O’Brian said. “From that inspiration, and with the support of others who believe in youth and the American dream, I started HOBY to seek out, recognize, and develop outstanding leadership potential among our nation’s youth.”

Further information about HOBY activities and sponsorship opportunities is available by visiting our website at www.hobyillinois.org or by calling 773-753-0730.

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