By Mandy Pascal

Nearly 300 high school students from around Alabama participated in the annual Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar at Troy University..

Several Pike County students had the privilege of attending this leadership conference. Those representatives were: Jerrell Lawson (Pike County High School), Bailey Singleton (Goshen High School), and Elaina Strother (Pike Liberal Arts School).

HOBY is a leadership program that was founded in 1958.

It is designed to help high school sophomores recognize their leadership talents and apply them to become effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace and community. HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop a global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.

Mayor Jason Reeves welcomed all the students during the opening ceremonies of the program. He left the students three pieces of advice: Realize leadership is ultimately about service, always be engaged and active, and finally be kind. He referenced his favorite Bible verse as the key to leadership: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.”(Ephesians 4:32)

This year’s HOBY theme was “Color Your World with Leadership.”

Throughout the weekend, students participated in hands-on leadership activities, meeting local and state leaders, and exploring their own personal leadership skills while learning to lead others and make a positive impact in their community.