Here are some pictures of all the GAHOBY Memories from 2013! Enjoy

 

The 2013 GAHOBY Picture!

Caleb and Adetinpo at a Alumni Volunteerism Event 

Chalk drawing by the Junior Staff for GAHOBY 2013

 

A rainbow seen the last day of GAHOBY 2013

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Eleventh Edition, December 7, 2013

Featured Alumnus: Joey Paris '12

I knew that if I were going to miss final exams for some leadership conference, and then have to come to school over the summer to make them up, the program better as heck be worth it. HOBY exceeded my expectations and then some. After spending a weekend at the 2012 HOBY seminar as an ambassador for Marist School, I couldn’t have thought of a better way to kick off an incredible summer. In the span of three short days, I discovered that I was a born peacock (loud & proud), enjoyed the luxuries of the YOBAHVILLE jail (on more than one occasion), and even took a shot at riding the pony a few times. That one weekend had a remarkable effect on my leadership and is one that I will never forget. Perhaps one of the greatest takeaways I have from HOBY is that everyone’s leadership style is different. During the Tower activity, I learned that being articulate and outgoing doesn’t always constitute the best leaders. Though stressful and at times extremely painful (I, as a peacock, was obviously one of the builders and couldn’t stand being quiet for more than five seconds), the Tower challenge was by far my favorite HOBY memory because it allowed me to recognize the importance of having different types of leaders in a group and taught me that, in some instances, I need to consider alternative solutions. In the months since HOBY, I’ve learned that the dynamic but stubborn peacock mindset doesn’t always work out the best. Above all else, HOBY has helped me identify my passion for emboldening others, particularly those my age. I currently serve as my Senior Class Co-President, organizing my school’s Prom and our class’s Thanksgiving service project, among other activities. I have led peers on school retreats, befriended new Marist students as a Peer Leader for two years, and become one of the Co-Coordinators of my school’s tutoring program. On a more recent note, this past year, a friend and I founded Man2Man Boys’ Mentoring, a program designed to inspire and guide middle school boys, much in the same way that HOBY empowered me. I cannot emphasize enough just how grateful I am to the entire HOBY program and how much it has truly changed my life. I look forward to cultivating my leadership skills even more when I go off to college next year, and I’m excited to see how I can incorporate HOBY’s lessons into every situation I encounter.

HOBY Info:

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Feel free to send quotes to lutzofun@gmail.com to be put onto the Twitter page
• Check out http://hobycheers.wikidot.com/list-of-hoby-cheers for awesome cheers

Hours

• Keep logging them! Can you accomplish the 100 Hour Challenge? Georgia HOBY knows that you can. Here is the place to do so: https://reg.hoby.org/HOBYL4S/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fHOBYL4S%2fdefault.aspx
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email lutzofun@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
•  How is far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

• If you would like a "My Favorite HOBY Experience" Blog Post to be posted in the future on this blog then, email lutzofun@gmail.com also with your response!
• Be on the lookout for the next Newsletter or My Favorite HOBY Experience Post

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Tenth Edition, November 7, 2013

Featured Alumna: Caroline Sanders '10

To say that my experience at HOBY the summer of 2010 as an ambassador for Pope High School brought me out of my comfort zone is a bit of an understatement – it was more like a drop kick. I’ll admit that the screaming and banging on car windows, the enthusiastic cheering, and the consciousness of being surrounded by people I didn’t know was entirely overwhelming until I realized the amazing bond I shared with all the people around me. We all had a passion for leadership, for making changes in our schools and communities, for becoming better people through our commitment of service to others. The day we took the personality/ leadership style quiz that categorizes you as either an eagle, a peacock, a dove, or in my case, an owl (hoot, hoot!) is one that I’ll never forget because it forever changed the way I looked at myself. My time at HOBY might have only lasted three days, but the lessons learned and the experiences shared will last a lifetime. By expanding my comfort zone and showing me what specific qualities I as leader can bring to a group, HOBY empowered me to pursue leadership opportunities I might not have had the courage to otherwise. In high school that meant giving a speech before my entire National Honor Society to become an officer and interviewing with the Student Government Executive Board to become Parliamentarian. Now at Washington and Lee University, I’m actively involved with my sorority’s philanthropy committee (coincidentally our mascot is an owl), a first-year peer mentor, and the founder/co-president of our symphony’s orchestra board. I know wholeheartedly that I have HOBY to thank for the encouragement of my leadership capabilities and the challenge to be OUTSTANDING in every commitment I make.

HOBY Info:

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Feel free to send quotes to lutzofun@gmail.com to be put onto the Twitter page
• Check out http://hobycheers.wikidot.com/list-of-hoby-cheers for awesome cheers

Hours

• Keep logging them! Can you accomplish the 100 Hour Challenge? Georgia HOBY knows that you can. Here is the place to do so: https://reg.hoby.org/HOBYL4S/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fHOBYL4S%2fdefault.aspx
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email lutzofun@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
•  How is far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

• If you would like a "My Favorite HOBY Experience" Blog Post to be posted in the future on this blog then, email lutzofun@gmail.com also with your response!
• Be on the lookout for the next Newsletter or My Favorite HOBY Experience Post

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Ninth Edition, October 12, 2013

Featured Alumna: Cody Mosher '05

I can still remember my parents dropping my off at HOBY. I had never been to a leadership seminar before, and the crazy screaming kids that bombarded my car was enough to get me to never want to experience one again. I can say now that I am forever grateful that I got out of my car on that summer day. In fact I have been so transformed by this experience, that I have gotten out of my car for the past eight years and volunteered for this organization. I cannot think of another element in my life that I give back to in such a consistent manner. My life is constantly evolving, but returning to HOBY is a commitment I make without concern as to where my life may lead me. It sounds cliché, for all HOBY alumni say this at nauseam, but HOBY has changed my life. The Hugh O’Brian Leadership seminar is a weekend of freedom, not only for the high school students that have been left there, but also for the volunteers that seek its refuge every year. Reflecting over my experience as a rising high school Junior, I can still remember the concepts and ideals instilled to me there. I was quiet when I started high school, unsure of whom I could trust, or how I should act. I made friends and participated, but only as much as was necessary. Leaving HOBY however, I felt as though a passion for life and excitement to finally be who I was, was revealed to me. This seminar allowed me to take advantage of school, using my newfound personality to make connections and succeed. I don’t think that without HOBY I would have enjoyed high school as much, or known how to take advantage of my time in college. HOBY has given me a professional respect for myself, and provided me the tools to reach the dreams I have established for myself.

HOBY Info:

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Feel free to send quotes to lutzofun@gmail.com to be put onto the Twitter page
• Check out http://hobycheers.wikidot.com/list-of-hoby-cheers for awesome cheers

Hours

• Keep logging them! Can you accomplish the 100 Hour Challenge? Georgia HOBY knows that you can. Here is the place to do so: https://reg.hoby.org/HOBYL4S/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fHOBYL4S%2fdefault.aspx
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email lutzofun@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
•  How is far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

• If you would like a "My Favorite HOBY Experience" Blog Post to be posted in the future on this blog then, email lutzofun@gmail.com also with your response!
• Be on the lookout for the next Newsletter or My Favorite HOBY Experience Post

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Eighth Edition, September 24, 2013

Featured Alumnus: Peter Fechter '13

HOBY isn’t just an organization, it is a family. I didn’t know what to expect when I was pulling into Berry College, but as soon as I stepped out of my car I was swarmed by a crazed group of Junior Staff. At first, the songs felt awkward and I was too shy to talk to anyone. However, only 5 hours later, I was screaming “OUTSTANDING DOUBLE CLAP!!!”, singing my heart out about “da moose”, and swinging my hips to “ALRIGHT-ALRIGHT-ALRIGHT” with my fellow HOBY’ers. Two of my fondest memories of HOBY were the talent show and the personal stories we shared with each other on Sunday night. It shocked me that 48 hours ago I didn’t know any of these people but at that moment I never felt more comfortable speaking in front of a group. They weren’t strangers any more they were family. Not only did I make new friends at HOBY, but I also became truly passionate about service through the life stories of the speakers. Saying my last raspy, tear filled goodbyes to everyone was really hard but I was ready to go home and not only make a change in my community, but also “Redefine Normal”. My HOBY mindset stayed with me an today I am Eagle Scout teaching others, an Executive Member of the Augusta Red Cross, and a dedicated member of my school’s Service Club. HOBY made me more passionate about helping others. More importantly, it changed my view on life and how I view others. Our redefining normal theme has encouraged me to appreciate the views and lifestyles of others and allowed me to see how OUTSTANDING they are. HOBY was the most OUTSTANDING experience I’ve ever had and I wouldn’t think twice if I had the chance to do it all over again. One HOBY speaker shared a quote with us that I live by every day, “Choose to breathe, do not inhale simply to exist”. 

HOBY Info:

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Feel free to send quotes to lutzofun@gmail.com to be put onto the Twitter page
• Check out http://hobycheers.wikidot.com/list-of-hoby-cheers for awesome cheers

Hours

• Keep logging them! Can you accomplish the 100 Hour Challenge? Georgia HOBY knows that you can. Here is the place to do so: https://reg.hoby.org/HOBYL4S/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fHOBYL4S%2fdefault.aspx
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email lutzofun@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
•  How is far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

• If you would like a "My Favorite HOBY Experience" Blog Post to be posted in the future on this blog then, email lutzofun@gmail.com also with your response!
• Be on the lookout for the next Newsletter or My Favorite HOBY Experience Post

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Seventh Edition, August 23, 2013

Featured Alumna: Hannah Ki Bass '06

Before it was just something that may or not be fun, but would probably look good on my college application. It turned out to be an amazing experience. My HOBY story started in 2006, I wrote an essay on leadership and was chosen by my school to attend as an Ambassador from Colquitt County. Since then, I’ve been involved with HOBY as a part of both junior and senior staff. HOBY challenged me to take my passions and use them to better my community. There was a standing exercise used to demonstrate statistics, and as I stood in representation of my subgroup a mini advocate was born. As such in high school I logged over 500 volunteer hours at a woman’s crisis pregnancy center, HOPE House. HOBY had challenged me. As a college student (Asbury) I traveled to 13 different countries and worked with orphanages and abused women. HOBY helped drive me. Now I sit at my computer telling my story, excited for a HOBY reunion with other planners in this family for the chance the meet you! To pass it along so that you might have the chance to be OUTSTANDING!!!!

HOBY Info:

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Feel free to send quotes to lutzofun@gmail.com to be put onto the Twitter page
• Check out http://hobycheers.wikidot.com/list-of-hoby-cheers for awesome cheers

Hours

• Keep logging them! Can you accomplish the 100 Hour Challenge? Georgia HOBY knows that you can. Here is the place to do so: https://reg.hoby.org/HOBYL4S/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fHOBYL4S%2fdefault.aspx
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email lutzofun@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
•  How is far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

• If you would like a "My Favorite HOBY Experience" Blog Post to be posted in the future on this blog then, email lutzofun@gmail.com also with your response!
• Be on the lookout for the next Newsletter or My Favorite HOBY Experience Post

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Sixth Edition, August 1, 2013

Featured Alumni: 

Alexandra Helfgott, Rachel Wasserman, and Daniel Gonzalez 

(The GAHOBY Ambassadors at WLC 2013)

Alexandra Helfgott
Augusta Preparatory Day School

After spending the weekend at Georgia HOBY with 250 ambassadors from all over the state cheering, finding out what kind of  leaders  we were, and ready to make changes in our communities, I knew I needed to attend the World Leadership Congress. In my opinion, the speakers who made the biggest impressions were Josh Levs, Dave Gamache, and Brian Selander. Josh Levs, a CNN correspondent, encouraged us the be the best version of ourselves we can be, "Be different. Be original. The world needs you". Dave Gamache truly touched us all. He is the presenter who shared Rachel's Challenge with us. Rachel's Challenge is the story about Rachel Scott, the first victim in the Columbine High School shooting. The presentation was powerful and showcased Rachel’s life and most importantly her life goal to strive for continual kindness. This quote written by Rachel, “Don't let your character change color with your environment. Find out who you are and let it stay its true color" inspired me the most. Brian Selander is a WLC alumnus who encouraged all of us to reach for the stars and do whatever we wanted. His motto for taking initiative, "Why not me? I'm HOBY!", which really hit home for the ambassadors and made us realize that we could do anything we set our mind to. HOBY has changed my life for the better. The bonds I have made at both GAHOBY and WLC are forever unbreakable. My new friends live all around the world and I can count on them for anything! Before, I was shy and was working on my confidence. I knew I wanted to make an impact on my community, and now as a result from HOBY, I would like to begin a nonprofit organization to provide inspirational journals for pediatric hospital patients.

Rachel Wasserman

Lumpkin County High School

On our first night at WLC, in our first meeting with HOBY Daddy Russ, he said the time and date "July 20, 2013. 8:11 pm central" and that in a week we would be wishing to be right back where we were at that very moment. At first, I thought a week would take forever in HOBY time. But quickly I realized how fast life's roller coaster is, and that we should cherish every moment. After meeting my group for the first time Saturday night, in the following 24 hours we had laughed together, cried together, and felt every emotion in between. Without trying, we formed lifelong friendships and a family bond that will never break. One of my dreams since I was little has always been to major in international relations, and Cynthia Hass (one of my role models, an international relations and business communications major who serves as an advocate for girls in the UN Foundation Girl Up campaign) was a speaker on our Social Media panel. I got to listen to her on how she got to where she was through Facebook, and then afterward I had a private conversation with her on the steps she took to get to where she is now in her education.  She was definitely one of my favorite speakers! WLC has changed my life. I came back home with an open mind, a new found self confidence, and a completely new outlook on life. World Leadership Congress was the best week of my life, and I would do anything to go back to July 20, 2013. 8:11 pm central time. 

Daniel Gonzalez

Lassiter High School

WLC was so much more than a week of such laughter, and compassion surrounded by amazing people. WLC is a bucket overflowing with positivity, motivation, and joy.  I have to say my favorite moment was at the dance at the end when all 432 ambassadors from 15 countries and 43 US states came together to celebrate our power, success, and individuality on closing ceremonies.  My favorite speaker was definitely Mr. Brian Selander.  He shared his success and begged the question “Why not you?”  This was the first time I asked myself this question, and realized all the potential I have right now. I also had the opportunity to partake in a service project.  I have always understood that service is an extremely important aspect of leadership, but I’ve never really seen the impact it has.  I had the chance to spend time with 6 and 7 year olds who did not come from the best of home situations. I have made connections with people around the globe.  One of my new best friends lives in Hong Kong, and I hope to stay in touch with all these amazing people for my lifetime.  WLC taught me that I don’t have to wait to make an impact, I can be the driving force at the start of a chain reaction of respect, kindness, and good will.

All of the WLC 2013 attendees (ambassadors and staff) 

Rachel, Daniel, and Alexandra holding the Georgia sign

HOBY Info:

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Feel free to send quotes to lutzofun@gmail.com to be put onto the Twitter page
• Check out http://hobycheers.wikidot.com/list-of-hoby-cheers for awesome cheers

Hours

• Keep logging them! Can you accomplish the 100 Hour Challenge? Georgia HOBY knows that you can. Here is the place to do so: https://reg.hoby.org/HOBYL4S/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fHOBYL4S%2fdefault.aspx
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email lutzofun@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
•  How is far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

• If you would like a "My Favorite HOBY Experience" Blog Post to be posted in the future on this blog then, email lutzofun@gmail.com also with your response!
• Be on the lookout for the next Newsletter or My Favorite HOBY Experience Post

Georgia HOBY Newsletter:
Fifth Edition, July 14, 2013

Featured Alumna: Caro Addams '12

HOBY has inspired me in so many ways. I first went to HOBY in 2012 as a Howard School Ambassador. At first, I was very nervous, but by the end of the weekend, I didn't want to leave. I made so many new friends there who supported me in becoming a better leader and made me want to come back. I always had a hard time speaking about my ideas, but HOBY has helped me work on that. I often have a hard time speaking loudly in front of big groups. I was nervous to read my poem at the variety show but I did it with all my friends supporting me. After HOBY, I did lots of volunteer work and even worked for a teen newspaper, VOX. I worked real hard on my grades. I wanted to go back to HOBY, so I needed to try and do my best in these things. I applied for JR Staff and I was so happy when I learned that I was able to return to 2013 GAHOBY as a part of JR Staff.  I had another outstanding time seeing old friends who I met last year and even made some new ones. HOBY has inspired me to become ASB (Associated Student Body) president my senior year which requires a lot of leadership skills. HOBY has made me more aware of the things I learned about being a leader. I learned that it takes just one person to make a difference in the world and that could be me.

HOBY Info:

Social Networking!!!

• Find us on Facebook: GA HOBY Alumni
• Follow us on Twitter: @HOBY_GEORGIA  
• Feel free to send quotes to lutzofun@gmail.com to be put onto the Twitter page
• Check out http://hobycheers.wikidot.com/list-of-hoby-cheers for awesome cheers

Hours

• Keep logging them! Can you accomplish the 100 Hour Challenge? Georgia HOBY knows that you can. Here is the place to do so: https://reg.hoby.org/HOBYL4S/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fHOBYL4S%2fdefault.aspx
• Need ideas for Volunteering projects? Email lutzofun@gmail.com, check the HOBY website: hoby.org, and/or research into what your community needs!
•  How is far has your Chain Reaction of Kindness reached?

This Blog

• If you would like a "My Favorite HOBY Experience" Blog Post to be posted in the future on this blog then, email lutzofun@gmail.com also with your response!
• Be on the lookout for the next Newsletter or My Favorite HOBY Experience Post