testimony tuesday.3

I know it's technically Wednesday, but "testimony wednesday" doesn't have the same ring. Enjoy hearing about this HOBY influence from one of GA HOBY's most dedicated volunteers...

"What does HOBY mean to me? The better question is, what does HOBY not mean to me? Entering into the 9th year since my seminar, HOBY has become such an integral part of my life that I couldn't even imagine who I would be without it.  HOBY has taught me many things over the years of volunteering, from being able to really listen to others to understanding that we are never done growing as leaders to humbling ourselves (that last one, I'm still working on! :D ). HOBY has given me my family! The people I work with throughout the year to put on our seminar aren't just volunteers or friends, they are the people I first turn to when something goes wrong or goes great! Whether we go to the Braves' game or have Glinner (yes that's a combo of Glee and Dinner), we see each other all the time!  If I could tell my 16 year old self one thing, it would be, "Your world is about to change forever. Embrace it!" Hind sight is 20/20, so now I have the opportunity and privilege to look at current 16 year old kids and say, "Your world has forever changed because you took the chance to attend a program that looks at each person and tells them, 'I believe in you!'" That's what HOBY means to me!"

-Cameron "Daddy Cam" Bridges

GA HOBY Alum 03

Cameron receives an OUTSTANDING staff member HOBY blog award because of all the hard work and sass he has put into this program, especially this year! There is so much effort that goes on behind the scenes by many dedicated volunteers, and Cameron is a prime example of someone who gives his all to Georgia HOBY. Thanks for all that you do, Daddy Cam!! It is so appreciated! HOBY love!

testimony tuesday.2

"During the beginning of my sophomore year, I was presented with an application that would eventually change my life. The application was for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) seminar. At the time, I really did not know a lot about the program. I understood that it was a leadership seminar, and since it was my second year as class president, I thought I might benefit from going. Teachers and counselors told me how amazing it would look on a college application and encouraged me to fill out the application. So I filled out the fairly short application and wrote a short essay, and about a week or two later, I was informed that I had been selected as my school’s HOBY ambassador. That following summer, I attended the seminar. The experience was one that I will never forget. Within less than an hour’s time, I had fallen in love. The high concentration of such an outstanding caliber of individuals was overwhelming. I looked around me and saw people with so many different backgrounds, values, and talents. We were all so different, yet united with a common goal. “Empower. Lead. Excel.” These words are the motto of HOBY. They sum up the purpose of our passion. After the seminar was over, I experienced a burning rush of inspiration that would carry over into the next summer to be rekindled by HOBY once more. However, this time was different. Now, instead of being an ambassador, I was a JR. staff member. I was able to get a completely different rush. Instead of experiencing the excitement of realizing the potential feats I could accomplish, I was able to inspire others to go out and “Empower. Lead. Excel.”

-David James Johnson

Westfield School

GA HOBY ALUM 2009

fundraising campaign

Dear all volunteers, students, parents, business people, and friends:

May is a crucial time for fundraising as we are approaching the weekend long outstanding program that is Georgia HOBY! We are so excited about this year's program and the opportunities and relationships that will come with it. If you have helped with the fundraising campaign, THANK YOU!! If you have not and would like to, there is still time! Fundraising is an around-the-calendar effort and sustains the life of this organization. Pass along an email, mention HOBY at a meeting, or spark a story for a local newspaper. There are multiple ways to help! 

Any amount of donation is greatly appreciated! You can donate online through PayPal located on this blog or the website, www.gahoby.org, or send a check made payable to:

Georgia HOBY
P.O. Box 421864
Atlanta, GA  30342

Help us spread the word about HOBY and how it impacts the lives of future leaders across the state!