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• Overview
• Youth Appreciation Week
• Essay Contest
• Oratorical Contest
• Childhood Cancer Campaign
• Respect for Law
• Hug A Hero
• HOBY
• Junior Golf

Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY)

For many years Optimist International and the Maryland South Delaware District have supported the HOBY Foundation and its youth leadership conference. HOBY stands for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation, which was founded by actor Hugh O'Brian. He was inspired by his meetings with Dr. Albert Schweitzer in 1958 to make a meaningful contribution to the world. 

The Timonium Optimists sponsor one or two sophomore students from local public or private high schools who will attend the Maryland conference each spring. Students are selected by their own schools. The limit for HOBY is one sophomore per school.

Hugh O'Brian Youth 2009 Maryland Leadership Seminar

May 28–30, 2010
Mount St. Mary’s University
Emmitsburg, Md.

The Focus of HOBY

The Foundation is dedicated to the development of young leaders. Annually, over 23,000 students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 30+ countries participate in the program. The HOBY program began in Maryland in 1977.

The HOBY mission is to seek out, recognize and develop leadership potential beginning with high school sophomores. The foundation encourages and prepares the next generation of civic and corporate leadership for America's future.  HOBY implements its purpose by:

• providing interactive opportunities for critical thinking
• promoting democracy and America's incentive system
• by encouraging social responsibility among individuals and participating corporations

There is no cost to the students, parents or high schools involved in HOBY's leadership programs. The Maryland HOBY organization is 100% staffed by volunteers, and all money donated goes to the program for developing leadership in our young people.