Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Powell Attends HOBY

Lindsey Powell recently attended the Hugh O'Brien Youth Foundation (HOBY) annual leadership seminar in Fayetteville.

Powell joined more than 130 other young leaders representing as many high schools from throughout Arkansas on April 11, 12 and 13.

Representing Prescott High School, Lindsey is the daughter of Dr. Jim Powell and Joyce Powell of Prescott.

For the last 39 years, HOBY leadership seminars have brought together select groups of high school sophomores who have demonstrated leadership abilities in their high schools and communities so they can interact with groups of distinguished leaders in business, government, education and the professions to disuss present and future issues.

The goal is to provide the students with a stimulating forum for learning about the American incentive system and democratic process and for broadening their understanding of their leadership potential and quest for self development.

"The HOBY seminar challenged me to think about the many issues affecting the world around me and helped me understand that as a leader, I have the power to make a positive impact in business, government and society," Powell said.

"HOBY helped me see the leadership potential in myself and to understnad that goals and dreams are important regardless of what profession I choose," she said.

The Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation was established by veteran actor Hugh O'Brian following a visit to Africa where he was inspired by 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."