School District Five student participates in Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar

For Immediate Release – May 29, 2024

School District Five student participates in Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar

IRMO – Irmo High School International School for the Arts sophomore, Lauren Rice, participated in the 2024 SC Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar held at Presbyterian College from May 25-27.

While the national program attracts 10,000+ sophomores each year for state sponsored programs, SC HOBY brought sophomores from all over the state gathered in Clinton, SC to learn from SC HOBY volunteers and industry leaders in education, medicine, government, and more. The goal of the HOBY seminar is to develop their leadership skills and learn how to apply them to become effective, ethical leaders in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

“Lauren was selected to represent Irmo because of her unwavering commitment to being a leader who wants to serve everyone in her community,” said Eric Coleman, sponsor of Irmo’s Student Council.

Phillip Hoodenpyl, social studies teacher at Irmo added, “Lauren sets herself apart from her peers because she is not only willing to but she is excited at the prospect of a challenge. Whether this is through academics, social ventures, or leadership, Lauren looks for the challenge that some students her age would not want to confront.”

Founded in 1958, HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. HOBY programs are conducted annually throughout the United States, serving local and international high school students. The quality of HOBY is noted nationally through endorsements by several organizations, including: the American Association of School Administrators, the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Parents Teachers Association, and the National School Boards Association.

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