Junior Cultivates Leadership Skills at HOBY Seminar

Nate Blan ’26 attended the Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar from June 14-16 at the University of North Texas in Denton. Nominated by FWCD, Blan joined fellow high school sophomores in workshops focused on developing an awareness of their leadership strengths and an understanding of their leadership values.  

Over the course of the weekend seminar, Blan explored different leadership styles, from individual to group and ethical leadership. “The highlight for me was meeting other students – getting to know them and serving with them,” Blan said. “Our leaders [facilitators] were a lot of fun and inspired us to embrace the experience.”

Through collaborative activities, the students honed their leadership skills and learned to embrace the diverse strengths of others. The seminar also gave student participants a taste of college life while they took part in HOBY’s engaging and FUN leadership development curriculum.  

Since 1958, HOBY has inspired youth to lead with confidence and purpose, fostering personal growth and a commitment to service. “Reflecting on the experience, Blan said.“Leadership starts with knowing myself. One of our speakers, an Olympic downhill skier, talked about how to stay positive, control his emotions, and not be stressed in order to be successful. I learned that leadership starts with my own positivity, emotional state, and comfortability in who I am.”