The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Hoosick Falls Student Wins HOBY Award

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submitted by Brian Bushner
Hoosick Falls High School Sophomore Lillian Hickey will represent her school at next year’s HOBY state leadership seminar.
HOBY, the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Foundation, hosts weekend seminars for high school sophomores across the country each spring. The students are chosen by their high schools for their leadership abilities. [private]Lillian-Hickey-HOBY-webLast year’s representative from HFCS was Guy Milliman. The New York – East seminar will be held at SUNY Oneonta from June 2 through June 4.
“I was excited to win this award for many reasons” Lillian explained, “I know a lot of people who have won this award, and two of them are my role models, Guy Milliman and Liz Ryan.” Lillian continued, “When I make a decision in life, I think about what they would do. I ask for their advice, especially Liz. She’s been a mentor for me ever since I came up to varsity (Field Hockey). She helped me learn how to be a teammate and a leader.”
“Lillian is an all-around wonderful young woman,” said Jennifer Berry, a College and Career Counselor at HFCS. “She demonstrates great leadership skills and is an excellent candidate for the HOBY Leadership Seminar and to represent Hoosick Falls Central School.”
Lillian also said, “Being able to put this award on my college application will really look great.” Lillian is proud of the responsibility that comes with this award saying, “I knew it would be tough to win this award, but I am excited to accept the leadership responsibilities that come with it, and I am looking forward to attending the leadership conference. This is going to be a great experience for me.”
HOBY was founded in 1958 by actor Hugh O’Brien. The organization’s mission is, “to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation.” The program is designed to help high school sophomores to recognize their leadership talents and apply them to become effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace, and community.[/private]