BIDDEFORD — Several local students attended the Maine site of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar. They joined more than 50 other young leaders representing 35 high schools from the state from May 31 to June 2 at the University of New England.

Allyson Hammond represented Edward Little High School and Kayla Villeux represented Oak Hill High School at the statewide seminar.

HOBY Leadership Seminars bring together a select group of high school sophomores from public and private high schools to interact with groups of distinguished leaders in business, government, education, media and community service occupations to discuss present and future issues. The goal is to provide young leaders a stimulating forum for learning about critical issues while broadening their understanding of their leadership potential and quest for self-development.

HOBY leaders are also challenged to return to their communities to perform at least 100 hours of community service within 12 months following the seminar.

Since HOBY’s founding, the goal of each seminar is to provide a catalyst to lifelong leadership development that empowers individuals to achieve their highest potential. HOBY’s goal is to show the ambassadors how to think rather than what to think. Since 1958 HOBY has been a part of more than 365,000 students’ lives, many of whom continue to volunteer on HOBY seminar planning committees, in their local communities and schools.

Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership was established in 1958 by the popular actor Hugh O’Brian following a visit to Africa where he was inspired by a meeting with Dr. Albert Schweitzer.

“One of the things Schweitzer said to me was that the most important thing in education was to teach young people to think for themselves,” O’Brian said. “From that inspiration, and with the support of others who believe in youth and the American dream, I started HOBY to seek out, recognize and develop outstanding leadership potential among our nation’s youth.”

Further information about HOBY Maine activities and sponsorship opportunities is available by contacting Sydney Clifton, Volunteer Corporate Board president and Leadership Seminar chairperson, at 207-200-4629 or info@hobymaine.org.