February 20, 2006
For people in the know on classic television Hugh O’Brian may be most remembered for his turn as Wyatt Earp.
For Ambler campus Admissions Counselor Rachel Oliver, however, he is better known as the founder of a youth leadership program that is producing young people with unparalleled poise and enthusiasm.
The Pennsylvania East Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Conference will be held at Eastern University from June 1 to 4.
"I was first introduced to HOBY in 2005 when I was asked to speak on a panel about the SAT's. I didn't realizing how amazing the kids were until I started talking one-on-one with them after the panel — they were the most energetic, enthusiastic, and bright 16-year-olds I have ever met," Oliver said. “The HOBY conference brings together more than 150 Eastern Pennsylvania high school sophomores to participate in a fun-filled, motivating, challenging, and memorable youth leadership retreat.”
The HOBY conference needs your support. Oliver and Ambler’s Owl Ambassador’s will be doing their part and hope that Ambler’s faculty, students, and staff follow their lead.
"This year I am going to be a facilitator, or a group leader at the conference. I am so excited to meet more great students and I hope I can be an inspiration to them to become great leaders,” Oliver said. “Fundraising for the Eastern Pennsylvania conference is taking place throughout the region and we are going to do what we can right on campus and in the area community. Without enough funds to pay for each student to participate, the conference will be canceled — cash donations are always accepted and are tax deductible.”
The PA East conference theme for 2006 is "HOBY Heroes." Each student group will create a superhero based on the qualities and skills of the students within their group.
 Niki Mendrinos, Assistant Director of Campus Visit Programs at Temple University, is the chair of this year's PA East conference. She was a HOBY Ambassador when she was in high school and has been involved with the program ever since, according to Oliver.
Hugh O'Brian established the Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation in Los Angeles in 1958. The Foundation has now spread throughout the county and has evolved greatly over the years.
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership provides lifelong leadership development opportunities that empower individuals to achieve their highest potential. HOBY seeks “to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our global society through understanding and action based on effective and compassionate leadership.” The organization’s core values include: volunteerism, excellence, organizational integrity, diversity, innovative thinking, community partnership, and lifelong learning leadership opportunities.
To assist with fundraising for the June conference, "The A Team," all HOBY alumni, are sponsoring a Bowl-A-Thon on Sunday, March 19, in nearby Feasterville.
For more information about HOBY and its history, visit here. For more information on the Eastern PA HOBY Conference, visit here.
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