HOBY conference teaches leadership

Three Russellville High School students recently had the privilege of attending the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference in Troy: Kaydee Holland, Ellyse Strickland and Sydney Medley.

HOBY is designed for sophomore students to learn about leadership through workshops, activities, speakers and discussions.

Strickland said she learned being a leader isn’t always about telling other people what to do.

“You have to work with each other and know how to get along,” she said.

Holland said the experience taught her about being a leader as an individual and about the importance of working well with groups. “You have to do your part but also share and take in what others are doing,” she said.

Medley, a self-proclaimed micromanager, said she learned the importance of delegation.

“HOBY showed me how to rely on others to do their part – that I don’t need to do everything myself,” she said.

Holland and Medley both praised the speaker, Johan Khalilian, for being inspirational.

“I was intrigued by his speaking,” Medley said. “He knew how to relate things back to us.”

All three girls are involved in Franklin County’s Junior Leadership Program as well as other organizations in school like FBLA, Student Council, Booster Club, dance line, cheer and tennis. They all agreed that what they learned at HOBY will benefit them in those areas, as well.