Two area high school sophomores have been selected to attend the State Leadership Seminar of Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, or HOBY. They will be joined by more than 300 young leaders from throughout Louisiana. The State Leadership Seminar will take place on June 13–15 in Baton Rouge.

Selected to attend HOBY are Parker Peltier of Hahnville High School, son of Kathleen and Daryl Peltier, and Rene Petit of Hahnville High School, son of Franziska and Brent Petit.

Founded in 1958 by actor Hugh O’Brian, HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop the global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. The State Leadership Seminars empower students to recognize their leadership talents and apply them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, school and community.  

HOBY was founded following O’Brian’s 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.”