Chinook High School sophomores, Bailey Billmayer and Carson Kelly have been named Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar Ambassadors for 2024. The pair will attend a seminar from June 6-9 on the campus of Montana State University in Bozeman.

According to Fay Friede, the Guidance Counselor and Student Council Advisor at Chinook High School, the emphasis for selection was on personal interest and leadership potential.

As part of the application process, the two sophomores had to discuss both the rewarding and challenging aspects of being a leader. In her application essay, Billmayer wrote: "One last trait that is crucial in leadership is failure. Failure is full of lessons, and without it, leaders may not know where to start their projects or ideas. Failure teaches both leaders and followers. A lesson taught from failure involves resilience; resilience means to recover quickly or to withstand difficult situations. Failure teaches adaptivity, as well, meaning you are able to adapt to changes and accommodations. Failure is one of the most important aspects to leadership, if not the most important characteristic.

"As a leader in my community and through my perspective, these qualities make an adequate leader. Perseverance, patience, commitment, discipline, and failure all take time to accommodate and don't always come naturally. A good leader envisions the fantasy and the imaginary, while transforming them into a reality for their peers and apostles."

On a similar theme, Billmayer's classmate, Carson Kelly stated in his application essay: "Leaders are not always defined as presidents, project managers, and directors. A leader could be someone listening to problems, someone standing by your side through thick and thin. Leaders simply carry themselves with confidence but also humility. A compassionate leader treats others with kindness, yet also stands firm.

"I always want to set a good example for my community, friends, and school. Wherever I go, I represent them. I try to carry myself with respect and poise. I strive to set a good example for not only my peers but for anyone around me. No matter how bad the situation, I'll always put my best foot forward to be the best leader possible. Inspiring others to be leaders sings success to me."

In Bozeman this June, the two teens will participate in a highly interactive leadership development curriculum designed to help them discover leadership from a personal, group, and socially responsible perspective. They will also interact with business leaders with the opportunity for a college internship and career after graduation, as well as the opportunity to apply for and receive college scholarship funds.

The informal question-and-answer format implemented during these seminars meets HOBY'S specific goals:

• To encourage and assist students in their quest for self-development and self-identification;

• To introduce potential leaders to today's recognized leaders through give-and-take discussions on a variety of current topics;

• To develop critical thinking skills by actively involving participants in discussion and debate; and

• To provide through this exposure the opportunity to explore America's incentive system, the democratic process, and community service.

Besides its motivational speakers and leadership activities, social events and a special closing ceremony also play a role in the event.

From this group of Montana Ambassadors, one girl and one boy will be chosen to attend the World Leadership Congress to be held in Washington, D.C.

HOBY was founded by Hugh O'Brian in 1958 as a nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire a global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. With that mission in mind, HOBY has worked to seek out, recognize, and develop leadership potential in high school sophomores by conducting annual, all-expense-paid seminars.

Proven to cultivate personal growth and to inspire action, HOBY seminars help students to uncover a newfound sense of awareness, confidence, connection, and purpose. Because HOBY values volunteerism, integrity, excellence, diversity, and community partnership, students leave with the knowledge and passion needed to make a positive impact on the world around them.