Area Student Attends Statewide Leadership Conference

Abbie Elaine Chiasson recently attended the Louisiana Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar.

Abbie joined more than 121 other young leaders representing 90 high schools from throughout Louisiana on June 15-17 at the West Baton Rouge Conference Center in Port Allen.

Chiasson, the daughter of Celste andChad Chiasson represented Hahnville High School at the statewide seminar.

HOBY Leadership Seminars bring together a select group of high school sophomores from public and private high schools to interact with groups of distinguished leaders in business, government, education, media and community service occupations to discuss present and future issues. The goal is to provide young leaders a stimulating forum for learning about critical issues while broadening their understanding of their leadership potential and quest for self-development.

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.

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 calling Cindy Bishop, Leadership Seminar Co-Chair, at (225) 923-1599 or e-mail at destiny362@aol.com