Hundreds of high school student leaders converge on an Alabama campus this weekend
One student from each high school in Alabama is selected for the annual leadership forum at Troy University.
Mason Reed 
The future of Alabama is on display this weekend as hundreds of the state's brightest high school student leaders descend upon the Troy University campus. This gathering marks the annual Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Forum, a program dedicated to cultivating the next generation of service-minded individuals.
A weekend of leadership and service
Each year, the program hand-picks one standout student from every high school across the state. This session, 250 high school sophomores are participating in an intensive schedule designed to sharpen their skills and broaden their impact.
"We want students to leave HOBY understanding that leadership is rooted in service," said Haley Haney, the program’s Alabama director of marketing and fundraising. "This weekend gives ambassadors the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders, connect with students from across the state and serve organizations that are making a real difference in their communities."
Core values and community impact
The curriculum is built on a foundation of volunteerism, excellence, organizational integrity, diversity, innovative thinking, community partnership, and a commitment to lifelong learning. While sophomores serve as the primary attendees, the event is bolstered by rising juniors and seniors who manage operations and serve as lead ambassadors.
The volunteer-run event also emphasizes tangible community support. Organizers have partnered with the Heart of Alabama Food Bank, calling on both attendees and the local Troy community to contribute packaged goods, such as fruit cups and individually wrapped snacks.
"Every donated item helps support children and families across Alabama while giving our ambassadors the opportunity to live out Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership‘s mission of leadership through service," the organization noted on their website.
The seminar, which encourages former participants to return as alumni staff volunteers, officially kicked off this past Friday and is set to conclude on Sunday. For more updates on this and other student initiatives across the state, keep checking 205focus.com.
