Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership participant shares experiences

Sponsored by the Woman's Club of El Campo, sophomore Lauralee Collins talked to the group about her experiences at the HOBY seminar this past summer.

Prior to her presentation, Jo Dennis, president of the club, called her first meeting to order Tuesday, Sept. 16. Secretary Sharon Faltisek called roll and read the minutes. Treasurer Nancy Nelsen gave her report.

Fourteen club members and two guests were assembled at the El Campo Country Club. Patricia Johnson, Carol Slaughter, Margie Drewett, Helen Nix and Ann Strarup joined as new members.

The club collect and pledges to the flags were led by Judy Waligura, who also introduced Collins, who was accompanied by her mother Bonnie Collins. Collins was chosen to represent El Campo High School at the HOBY seminar held in June at Rice University in Houston.

HOBY stands for Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership. In 1958, Hugh O'Brian went to Africa with Dr. Albert Schweitzer, who was a German doctor, missionary and theologian who set up a remote hospital complex in Africa.

In the evenings, Hugh O'Brian would discuss global peace and world politics with Dr. Schweitzer. Dr. Schweitzer felt that the most important thing in education was to teach young people to think for themselves, which O'Brian would never forget.

Two weeks after returning from his visit to Africa, O'Brian put together a proto-type seminar for young leaders.

"Fifty-plus years later, HOBY is still inspiring young people all over the world to develop their leadership and critical thinking skills to achieve their highest potential," said Waligura. "Currently, more than 8,000 tenth graders representing many high schools nation-wide attend HOBY each year."

Collins explained that grouped with fellow students, she had round table discussions with NASA astronauts, business CEOs and motivational speakers who themselves had reached high goals. The attendees took part in a mock trial, panel discussions on education, politics and competed in teams creating a product commercial.

"It was such an honor for her to participate at this conference and she will reap the benefits throughout her life as she has learned to set high goals and help others to achieve theirs as well," Waligura said.

After students listened to a phone call from Hugh O'Brian, they were given a final challenge to return home and complete 100 hours of community service within one year.

"Club members enjoyed her wonderful report and the club hopes to continue to sponsor other ECISD sophomores at the HOBY conference each year," Waligura said.

The meeting was adjourned and the ladies enjoyed lunch at the country club.

The next meeting will be Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Wharton County Library Annex when the program will be "Meeting A Local Author," El Campo's Rachael Ondrais.