...Well, it's not! Jad again, taking off my hat from the weekend as "Ambassador of Fun" and again donning the cap of Alumni Director. The seminar is over and now you're at that point of "what next". I suggest three things.
1. Send in an application for WLC. Just because you weren't the ambassador chosen by HOBY Texas North for the scholarship doesn't mean you can't go. Anyone who attended HOBY 2009 as an ambassador has the opportunity to attent WLC 2009. Just get those forms in ASAP! Personally, I would like to see as many people as I can from HOBY Texas North attendng WLC...let's make our region proud! I have faith in every OUTSTANDING one of you!
2. Join the HOBY Texas North Facebook group. Facebook is such an amazing tool in keeping track with everyone out there in the "real world". Join, join, join...and then, invite all your HOBY friends that haven't joined to join. This association is only as strong as our line of communication, so let's make it a strong one. I will be sending out periodic reminders and the like from the Facebook group.
3. Attend the Alumni Reunion at the Ball Park in Arlington. Not only will you get to reunite with the most OUTSTANDING people you will ever meet, but you'll also get to see our very own Texas Rangers take it to the Minnesota Twins! July 17th...be there, or be square!
HOBY Hugs,
Jad
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
It's over?
Yes, but still have more posts! You may notice that no one posted on Sunday. . .well, as is typical, Sunday was filled with schedule changes and interuptions but other than a few of us behind the scenes, I don't think that anyone really realized this!
In the next few days, we will post more thoughts about the seminar and upload some more pictures and videos - and we encourage those of you who are following to do the same!
Rich
In the next few days, we will post more thoughts about the seminar and upload some more pictures and videos - and we encourage those of you who are following to do the same!
Rich
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A Rhythmic Break in the Action
Kurt here, a first-time blogger and assistant to Lisa, the seminar chair. I'll be posting a few more posts before the end of this OUTSTANDING seminar! So stay tuned!
A few ambassadors decided to express their more creative side while waiting on the next speaker. Is that a paddle ball?
A few ambassadors decided to express their more creative side while waiting on the next speaker. Is that a paddle ball?
Service Projects - rain, rain stay away. . .
Well it didn't so we had to improvise! One group stayed here and worked on planning future service projects while the rest scattered around the DFW area to various projects - the North Texas Food Bank and the Salvation Army were two of five projects that our Ambassadors took part in today. Just getting back and into panel - we will be posting pictures soon!
Rich
Rich
HOBY Honored By Texas House of Representatives.
HOBY Texas North was recently honored by the State of Texas House of Representatives. Representative Carol Kent, in a letter addressed to HOBY Texas North, states that she "[is] proud to have the opportunity to recognize [our] outstanding achievements..." Below is an excerpt from House Resolution No. 793.
"WHEREAS, HOBY focuses on students at the sophomore level of high school, and individuals are nominated by their schools for participation in the course of completing the program, young people learn the values of volunteerism, excellence, diversity, innovative thinking, leadership, and community partnership; HOBY graduates emerge from the program with extensive knowledge of the American economic system and a better understanding of what it takes to succeed within it; and
WHEREAS, May 16, 2009, is HOBY Texas North Service Day, and this special observance provides a fitting opportunity to recognize this outstanding organization and command the students who are taking part in its training and service programs; now, there be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby honor Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership of North Texas and extend to all those involved with HOBY Texas North sincere best wishes for continued success..."
This is an OUTSTANDING honor to be given, and we are grateful to our staff, alumni and ambassadors for being who they are and doing what they do best! Each of everyone of them is a leader in some way, and Texas recognizes that! Congratulations HOBY Texas North.
"WHEREAS, HOBY focuses on students at the sophomore level of high school, and individuals are nominated by their schools for participation in the course of completing the program, young people learn the values of volunteerism, excellence, diversity, innovative thinking, leadership, and community partnership; HOBY graduates emerge from the program with extensive knowledge of the American economic system and a better understanding of what it takes to succeed within it; and
WHEREAS, May 16, 2009, is HOBY Texas North Service Day, and this special observance provides a fitting opportunity to recognize this outstanding organization and command the students who are taking part in its training and service programs; now, there be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby honor Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership of North Texas and extend to all those involved with HOBY Texas North sincere best wishes for continued success..."
This is an OUTSTANDING honor to be given, and we are grateful to our staff, alumni and ambassadors for being who they are and doing what they do best! Each of everyone of them is a leader in some way, and Texas recognizes that! Congratulations HOBY Texas North.
Day Two: Outstanding
Jad Allen again, here with a quick status update from HOBY: Day Two. Fridays are always hard on students, especially because they know the weekend is quickly approaching. They don't say TGIF for nothing...but not these students. Our ambassadors woke up at the early hour of 7am, alive, awake, alert and enthusiatic for the day to come. After a delicious breakfast, we dove right in with some leadership activities....aka energizers. Now, at this point in time in the seminar, we usually have to goad the ambassadors to join in with the cheers and energizers, but these OUTSTANDING rockstars were ready and willing to go. We had a panel on Medical Ethics, including a mock trial, followed by a time for personal reflection on leadership. After that, we had a delicious lunch sponsered by Jason's Deli (Yum!), followed by a TCU scavenger hunt. We then had the special opportunity to listen to Todd Whithorne of Cooper Concepts talk about "Investing in Your Personal Health". The ambassadors, after running around campus completing the scavenger hunt, were a bit tired, but that didn't stop them from some stimulating debate in the "Media and the Public's Right to Know" panel, headed by Brenda Teel-Jackson of WFAA, Jill "J.R." Labbe of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Bob Ray Sanders, also of Star-Telegram fame. Following such a stimulating debate, it's time for break, right? Well, Tony Brigmon, the "Ambassador of Fun" (I wonder where I got MY title from) of Southwest Airlines, came and talked to us about the importance of having fun while leading in his address, "Having Fun Yet? Leadership and Life Lessons." After all these panels, the ambassadors were famished, so it was off to the cafeteria for another delicious meal. During this meal, some ambassadors had the distinct opportunity and honor of meeting some Optimist Club members from the Ft. Worth area, and even more, had the chance to eat with them and get to know a bit of what they do. Next, after dinner was said and done, we got to hear the TCU - New Student Programs do their "More Than Words" presentation, stating that words really do have power, therefore, we, as leaders, must watch what we say. After a great breakout session with their small groups, the ambassadors got to get their groove on at the HOBY Social. Steve Roberts, of Celebrations Entertainment, delighted ambassadors and staff alike with a high energy, high fun, and highly bonding experience. After an intense two hour dance session, it was time to hit the hay. It was a truly OUTSTANDING Friday!
"O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G, Out-Out-Outstanding!"
HOBY Hugs,
Jad
"O-U-T-S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G, Out-Out-Outstanding!"
HOBY Hugs,
Jad
Friday, May 15, 2009
Catching up. . .
This is the point of the seminar where as a volunteer, it starts to catch up with you! It has been a pretty action packed day. We just got back from dinner after a great lecture by Tony Brigmon who used to be the Ambassador of Fun for Southwest. He is a self styled FUNOLOGIST and we now know why. . .
We had dinner which was sponsored by the Optomist Clubs in the greater DFW area and had the opportunity to meet the incoming president of Optomist International (more later).
Right now the Ambassadors are in the ballroom listening to "More than Words", a TCU presentation on hate speech and intolerance. This is a very important part of the seminar and what follows is small group conversations that remind us what this generation is both facing and capable of.
We had dinner which was sponsored by the Optomist Clubs in the greater DFW area and had the opportunity to meet the incoming president of Optomist International (more later).
Right now the Ambassadors are in the ballroom listening to "More than Words", a TCU presentation on hate speech and intolerance. This is a very important part of the seminar and what follows is small group conversations that remind us what this generation is both facing and capable of.
Todd Whitthorne
Todd first spoke to our group a year ago - very successfully! You wouldn't think about health and wellbeing as a leadership topic but Todd is a dynamic speaker and really puts into perspective how health and weight are being more and more on an issue. He gave our Ambassadors very significant data and incentive to "exercise their minds." We had a great example from one of our alumni who since last year's seminar has lost over 120 lbs!
I offered Todd this deal - if I lose 40 lbs over the next year, he will return for our 2010 seminar. There, I said it!
I offered Todd this deal - if I lose 40 lbs over the next year, he will return for our 2010 seminar. There, I said it!
Quick Pic
The ambassadors not only survived the heat for the picture taking process, they cheered through it!
Scavenger hunt time!
After a healthy lunch from Jason's Deli, the small groups are circulating around the TCU campus looking for various items. Little do they know that their healthy lunch and exercise is a set up to our next speaker, Todd Whitthorne who is CEO of Cooper Concepts. He will speak to the group about a healthy body and mind and how to take personal responsibility for each.
Reflections
The Ambassadors take some time to express their thoughts in yet another way! Old-fashioned pen & paper!
Medical Ethics Panel
The Ambassadors regroup to continue discussion on ethics, and listen to the expert panel
Off to a great start this morning!
After some rousing "energizers" led by our Alumni Director Jad Allen (Baylor University), our Ambassadors dove into our first panel of the day, MEDICAL ETHICS. Led by Professor Tom Mayo of SMU and Dr. Gerald Casenave of UT Southwestern and supported by local attorneys from Baker & McKenzie (including Josh Bennet, Alex Brauer, Mackenzie DeWerff, Laura O'Rourke and HOBY's own Jennifer McCollum), the group tackle the issue of patients rights and a minor's right to choose their own course of action. After introductions of the panelists and topic, they split into small groups and the attorneys worked to facilitate conversations around the legal and ethical perspectives of who should have say in the medical treatment of minors.
Last year when we introduced this format around the topic of immigration reform, many of us were concerned that this was too "deep" a topic for high school sophomores to engage in. We went ahead and we were amazed at how engaged, thoughtful and open minded our Ambassadors were. This year was no different. These future leaders expertly debated multiple arguments respectfully - and while no consensus was reached (as our goal is not to teach WHAT to think but instead HOW to think), it was refreshing to hear spirited, respectful debate.
Last year when we introduced this format around the topic of immigration reform, many of us were concerned that this was too "deep" a topic for high school sophomores to engage in. We went ahead and we were amazed at how engaged, thoughtful and open minded our Ambassadors were. This year was no different. These future leaders expertly debated multiple arguments respectfully - and while no consensus was reached (as our goal is not to teach WHAT to think but instead HOW to think), it was refreshing to hear spirited, respectful debate.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The end of the first day is near. . .
It is 11:04pm. Our Ambassadors have checked into their rooms, met their roommates and are getting ready for bed. Our volunteer staff are about to start bed checks in the next few minutes and then head downstairs for their end of day staff meeting. After each day, the 40+ volunteers who bring this amazing seminar to life get together to download the day, talk about tomorrow, and decompress. Some will then go immediately to bed, completely exhausted. . .others will stay up for the next few hours, catching up with old friends and watching to make sure that our HOBY Ambassadors stay in their rooms! Though after the excitement of the day - I am sure that all are ready for a few hours of sleep!
This has been an amazing start to the seminar! Tim Durkin, our first speaker showed up two hours early, spoke at 7:00pm for around 45 minutes and then stayed until almost 10pm! What I remember most is his parting comments to our Ambassadors that our world needs them to be "distortive leaders" - leaders that shake things up in a good way and push forward, that create new dynamics. He was followed by LD Dabney and Jim Young - veterans of the HOBY seminar. I first heard them speak three years ago about racial stereotypes (LD is black and Jim is white) - they made us laugh at the beginning of the presentation and as they got more and more serious, they made us tear up. Both are amazing individuals who have let nothing stand in their way. They too showed up early and stayed late - and our Ambassadors hovered around all three of our speakers getting them to sign their programs and exchanging personal stories. Lisa, Mykel and I watched as we saw this group of 160+ high school sophomores who a few hours ago didn't know anyone here start to bond as friends. And this is day one!
I also have to use this space to call out our friend Alex Hargis. New baby and yet he managed to find the time to design our programs and our banners (and get them donated!) They turned out fantastic!
Well, as I am the old guy in the bunch, it is time to turn in and get some sleep. . .a few hours until we go thru our "Medical Ethics" mock trials, meet Todd Whitthorne from Cooper Concepts. . .Dr. Dan Dimke comes in later in the day and the list goes on!
Good night!
Rich H.
This has been an amazing start to the seminar! Tim Durkin, our first speaker showed up two hours early, spoke at 7:00pm for around 45 minutes and then stayed until almost 10pm! What I remember most is his parting comments to our Ambassadors that our world needs them to be "distortive leaders" - leaders that shake things up in a good way and push forward, that create new dynamics. He was followed by LD Dabney and Jim Young - veterans of the HOBY seminar. I first heard them speak three years ago about racial stereotypes (LD is black and Jim is white) - they made us laugh at the beginning of the presentation and as they got more and more serious, they made us tear up. Both are amazing individuals who have let nothing stand in their way. They too showed up early and stayed late - and our Ambassadors hovered around all three of our speakers getting them to sign their programs and exchanging personal stories. Lisa, Mykel and I watched as we saw this group of 160+ high school sophomores who a few hours ago didn't know anyone here start to bond as friends. And this is day one!
I also have to use this space to call out our friend Alex Hargis. New baby and yet he managed to find the time to design our programs and our banners (and get them donated!) They turned out fantastic!
Well, as I am the old guy in the bunch, it is time to turn in and get some sleep. . .a few hours until we go thru our "Medical Ethics" mock trials, meet Todd Whitthorne from Cooper Concepts. . .Dr. Dan Dimke comes in later in the day and the list goes on!
Good night!
Rich H.
Thoughts from Jad
Jad Allen here, your "Ambassador of Fun" for the seminar, as well as Alumni Director for HOBY Texas North. Today has already flown by with OUTSTANDING moments, staffers, ambassadors, and speakers. The ambassadors started rolling onto the TCU campus around 1:30, early and filled with excitement. They didn't know quite what to expect but our rockstar team of staffers quickly met them, and walked them to registration...with a small stop for introduction on the way. After registering and settling in at the dorms, they were brought back for some group bonding...aka cheers and fun! Each group also received a tour of the TCU campus, which, I've heard rumor might help in the Scavenger Hunt tomorrow. Dinner was great, the new dining facilities here are top notch. Once hunger was sated, we set off for the panels. With Tim Durkin leading off with his key note address "Leadership in the 20th Century", followed with Jim Young and L.D. Dabney's "Whodunnit", the ambassadors are getting a small treat of what awaits them. Small group time later, followed by lights out. Wake up call at 7:00 am sharp...looks to be OUTSTANDING!!!
HOBY Hugs,
Jad
HOBY Hugs,
Jad
Tim Durkin speaks about 21st Century Leadership
Our keynote speaker arrived a couple of hours early - had dinner with our Ambassadors and is absolutely amazed by how much energy there is with this year's group! He has spoken to organizations and companies all across the country and he is currently telling the group how energized he is by their enthusiasm.
His main message right now is on how leaders step up. . ."it isn't about who you know, it is about who knows you!" Time to get back into the room and listen - this guy is great!!
His main message right now is on how leaders step up. . ."it isn't about who you know, it is about who knows you!" Time to get back into the room and listen - this guy is great!!
Ambassadors Arrive!
Ambassadors begin learning cheers they will be screaming all weekend as they arrive!
Get Excited!! :D
Hey everybody, my name is Jarvis Coburn and I am working on the PR team this year for the seminar. That means I'll be keeping YOU updated with what's going on here at TCU this weekend. :)
I bring a little different perspective than the other bloggers, because my HOBY year was 2008! Last year, I had the honor of being a HOBY ambassador and then going on to WLC last summer. Just like Mykel, I can trace my inspiration for my successes right back to HOBY. Not that I was a bad kid before HOBY, but ever since my motivation to excel shot up. This year I have significantly improved my grades, taken on more extracurricular activities than I would have thought possible, and completed my 100 hour challenge, all at the same time. I never would have had the drive to do all that if it wasn't for the experience that 180 high school students are about to live this weekend.
I am SO EXCITED to see how lives are changed this weekend, and I hope I can relay atleast some of the magic that goes on!
I bring a little different perspective than the other bloggers, because my HOBY year was 2008! Last year, I had the honor of being a HOBY ambassador and then going on to WLC last summer. Just like Mykel, I can trace my inspiration for my successes right back to HOBY. Not that I was a bad kid before HOBY, but ever since my motivation to excel shot up. This year I have significantly improved my grades, taken on more extracurricular activities than I would have thought possible, and completed my 100 hour challenge, all at the same time. I never would have had the drive to do all that if it wasn't for the experience that 180 high school students are about to live this weekend.
I am SO EXCITED to see how lives are changed this weekend, and I hope I can relay atleast some of the magic that goes on!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Getting ready
My name is Lisa Ranee Tatum and I am serving as the Leadership Seminar Chair (LSC) for Hoby this year. I joined Hoby as a volunteer in 2004. I helped the planning committee with a few pieces of the program and I served as a senior facilitator. It was an amazing experience. The next year the seminar changed leadership and it was a very different seminar. I believe each LSC puts his or her stamp on the seminar.
I live and breathe service as I work in the non-profit world and volunteer A LOT for different organizations (though none get as much of my time as HOBY). Having service projects as a part of the seminar is one of the major improvements we have made over the past 6 years.
I look forward to the seminar each year as a time to spend with my Hoby family and to make a difference in the lives of young leaders.
Cannot wait to see how OUTSTANDING we can make the 2009 seminar.
I live and breathe service as I work in the non-profit world and volunteer A LOT for different organizations (though none get as much of my time as HOBY). Having service projects as a part of the seminar is one of the major improvements we have made over the past 6 years.
I look forward to the seminar each year as a time to spend with my Hoby family and to make a difference in the lives of young leaders.
Cannot wait to see how OUTSTANDING we can make the 2009 seminar.
Monday, May 11, 2009
All About Mykel (HOBY '04)
Hey HOBY Family, Friends and Alumni!
My name is Mykel Estes and I’m an alumnus of HOBY Texas North from 2004, way back when we met as a seminar on the University of North Texas campus. There I was a part of an amazing weekend experience that has truly transformed my life and developed me into the leader I am today.
Since I participated as an ambassador I have been back to the seminar every year since serving as a Junior Facilitator, Team Alumni member and this year I’m proud to have helped the seminar as its Program Director. It has truly been an inspiring and motivational experience every year I’m with HOBY. In fact, every year when it gets close to the seminar I get excited because it truly feels like a family reunion in North Texas!
Currently I’m a senior at the University of Texas at Austin where I am studying Rhetoric and Writing as well as Education Psychology. I absolutely love going to school here and being apart of everything that makes up the college experience. I’m a little bit nervous as well as very excited to be wrapping up my undergraduate career soon but can’t wait to see what the future has in store!
Very soon I’ll be leaving campus and making the yearly trip up to the Texas Christian University campus to be reunited with what really jump-started my passion for leadership, service and activism. I often get asked when did I start doing everything I’ve done --- and I always pinpointed that moment when I was challenged to become the best I could be my sophomore summer of high school.
HOBY is a really a magical time for all those involved! I look forward to sharing things with you from my perspective throughout the weekend.
Best,
Mykel
Programs Director | HOBY Texas North
HOBY 2004
Oh yea, before I forget! Follow our seminar on twitter as well @: hobytxn
Sunday, May 10, 2009
About me (Rich Honiball)
I am looking forward to "blogging" my thoughts and various happenings during the 2009 HOBY Youth Leadership seminar at TCU in Fort Worth. This is a pretty cool way to keep friends, family, schools and alumni involved, even if from afar.
Ok, a bit about me? I attended HOBY twenty five years ago this month. . .HOBY Massachusetts where I represented Brockton High School. I used to talk about how large Brockton High was until I moved to Texas (around 5,000 students)! I really didn't know much about HOBY when I was asked to attend by my history teacher, Rita Smith, but I trusted her and decided to take a chance. She was a mentor and a source of inspiration and she viewed me as a leader - more about her in another post perhaps.
I won't tell you much about my HOBY experience in this post - except to say that when I arrived at Boston College (where the seminar was being held) I was nervous, perhaps even scared but when I left four days later I felt enlightened, empowered, enthusiastic, honored. . .and a wee bit tired!
Twenty five years and a whole lot of miles later and I am here in Dallas where I live with my wife of many, many years, our daughter Lily (four and a half years old) and a puggle named Arrow (after a Harry Nilsson song.) I work at JC Penney as the DVP of men's product development and design - a dream job for me! And for the last year I have served with an OUTSTANDING group of volunteers as the corporate board president for HOBY Texas North.
In a few days I will have the opportunity to meet with around 180 future leaders, young men and women that will be leading our communities and our world as my daughter gets older - and every year I participate with HOBY I leave with more and more hope for our future!
Well, that is enough about me. . .I look forward to posting during the seminar and giving everyone a bit of the HOBY experience. . .even if you can't be here, perhaps you can experience what we like to call "HOBY Magic!"
Rich H.
Corporate Board President / HOBY Texas North
HOBY '84
Ok, a bit about me? I attended HOBY twenty five years ago this month. . .HOBY Massachusetts where I represented Brockton High School. I used to talk about how large Brockton High was until I moved to Texas (around 5,000 students)! I really didn't know much about HOBY when I was asked to attend by my history teacher, Rita Smith, but I trusted her and decided to take a chance. She was a mentor and a source of inspiration and she viewed me as a leader - more about her in another post perhaps.
I won't tell you much about my HOBY experience in this post - except to say that when I arrived at Boston College (where the seminar was being held) I was nervous, perhaps even scared but when I left four days later I felt enlightened, empowered, enthusiastic, honored. . .and a wee bit tired!
Twenty five years and a whole lot of miles later and I am here in Dallas where I live with my wife of many, many years, our daughter Lily (four and a half years old) and a puggle named Arrow (after a Harry Nilsson song.) I work at JC Penney as the DVP of men's product development and design - a dream job for me! And for the last year I have served with an OUTSTANDING group of volunteers as the corporate board president for HOBY Texas North.
In a few days I will have the opportunity to meet with around 180 future leaders, young men and women that will be leading our communities and our world as my daughter gets older - and every year I participate with HOBY I leave with more and more hope for our future!
Well, that is enough about me. . .I look forward to posting during the seminar and giving everyone a bit of the HOBY experience. . .even if you can't be here, perhaps you can experience what we like to call "HOBY Magic!"
Rich H.
Corporate Board President / HOBY Texas North
HOBY '84
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
GETTING READY FOR HOBY 2009
In just about one week, we will be welcoming up to 180 high school sophomores to the 2009 HOBY Texas North Youth Leadership Seminar on the TCU campus in Fort Worth. For many, if not all, this will be a life changing experience!
This blog will give us the chance to keep you informed, introduce you to HOBY from a distance, and let you know what our Ambassadors are experiencing. Several of our HOBY alum and volunteers will be posting comments, photos and videos throughout the weekend. You will also find updates on Twitter and Facebook (more to follow).
We look forward to you joining us - even if it is only in the virtual world! Pass your comments along, your thoughts and your words of support. With your help, this seminar will be OUTSTANDING!
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