Pictured from left are: Terri Forsythe, Kennett Rotary Club; Christie Huffstutler, Kennett High School Counselor; Meredith Combs; and outgoing Rotary president, John McClellan. Photo provided [Click to enlarge]

Meredith Combs recently attended the Missouri site of the Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Semin-ar, June 6-8, at Maryville University in St. Louis, Mo. Ms. Combs joined more than 112 other young leaders representing many high schools throughout Missouri. Repre-senting Kennett High School, Meredith was sponsored locally by the Kennett Rotary Club.

HOBY Leadership Semin-ars 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 and the professions to discuss present and future issues. The goal is to provide the young people 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.

Since HOBY's founding, the goal of each seminar is to provide a catalyst to lifelong leadership development that empowers individuals to achieve their highest potential. As the Ambassadors 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. Since 1958 HOBY has influenced more than 365,000 student 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. He was inspired to found this program following a visit to Africa where he met with Dr. Albert Schweitzer, a renowned doctor, missionary and humanitarian who was the recipient of the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize.

"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 to develop outstanding leadership potential among our nation's youth."

Former Rotary President, John McClellan, commented on the selection of Ms. Combs for this honor by stating, "Meredith was an outstanding choice for this program because she epitomizes the values associated with HOBY and its founders. Not only is she a leader in academics, but she also possesses a mature understanding and commitment to serving her local community. She is involved in so many activities, and she truly cares about the needs of others. She is a special young lady, and we were honored to sponsor her for this unique opportunity."

Ms. Combs will also serve as the local Rotary Club's high school representative for the 2008-09 school year. She is the 16 year-old daughter of Paul T. and Holly Combs of Kennett.