HHS sophomores receive leadership honors
Each year, public and private high schools across the country select outstanding sophomores to attend one of the more than 80 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminars (HOBY) held throughout the country. The Hillsboro Lion’s Club sponsors the HHS sophomore who will attend the HOBY seminar at Denison University in May. The 2010 HHS outstanding sophomore selected was Brandon Wilson, son of Mark and Alice Wilson. The alternate selected was Whitney Earley, daughter of Rick and Gina Earley. The selection process began with faculty, staff and sophomore students submitting nominations. Semi-finalists were determined by the number of nominations received. Semi-finalists were asked to submit an essay. Essays were evaluated by anonymous staff and community members. Finalist status was based on the essay submitted. Finalists then participated in a personal interview. Interviews were conducted by community members, Keith Chambers, Earl Burnett, Barbara Yochum, and school superintendent Art Reiber. The selection process was coordinated by Marilyn Mathews, school counselor.
Brandon is a high honor roll student at HHS. He is a member of FFA, student council, and Renaissance. Extracurricular activities include soccer, basketball, and baseball. Brandon is involved with his church youth group and Basically Beef 4-H club. In his essay, he stated, “One cannot be a leader unless they themselves plan on being challenged. The most rewarding aspect of being a leader is the sense of accomplishment that is felt when one triumphs over the difficult task at hand.”
Whitney is a high honor roll student at HHS. She is a member of FFA, student council, and Renaissance. Extracurricular activities include basketball and softball. Whitney serves her community by being active in her church youth group, Junior Leadership, and 4-H. Whitney stated in her essay, “I believe a good leader comes from within. A good leader can have convictions, but must listen, too. I try to be a person who leads by example, showing concern.”
Other finalists participating in the interview included Jordan Opst, son of Bob and Tracy Opst, Carey Juillerat, daughter of Jim and Angie Juillerat, McCaylee Priest, daughter of Melissa Priest, Sara Sexton, daughter of Chris and Kim Sexton, Kelsey Ferguson, daughter of Brenda Ferguson, Bryce Nartker, son of Larry and Sandra Nartker, and Mikaela Morgan, daughter of Lisa Winkelman.
Congratulations students for using your leadership skills and being recognized by others as leaders.