Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference (HOBY) was held at K-State University in Manhattan. HOBY Kansas hosts an annual 4-day leadership seminar for high-school sophomores.

The goal of HOBY is “to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our global society through understanding and action based on effective and compassionate leadership.”

Sophomores Garrett Gregg and Mikayla Koerner were chosen as Hays High ambassadors for the conference.

“Mikayla Koerner and I were chosen for HOBY by writing an essay over why we think leadership is important,” Gregg said. “I think I was chosen as an ambassador because of how much I want to be a better leader.”

Gregg added he wants to be involved with the K-9 Unit for Ellis County.

“Being in a position so high requires a ton of leadership,” Gregg said. “I gained many skills from participating in the conference.”

Koerner and Gregg said many political, social and religious leaders came in to speak to their group about skills to learn when becoming a leader.

“Not only did I learn how to become a better leader, I learned how to become a better follower,” Gregg said. “I have learned more about the truth of politics, religious beliefs, and entrepreneurship. I am still wowed by how much the media holds back. I have also learned how much people hold back from others do to fear of what others think.”

The students who attended HOBY participated in group chants, songs and other engaging activities.

“We did so many things it’s hard to explain them all,” Koerner said. “We created cities, planned trips, made skits and played a lot of group games.”

Gregg and Koerner agree that participating in HOBY has changed their lives.

“I look up to many great leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr.,” Gregg said. “Leadership is a great thing in my life.”