This conference will be held June 22-26, 2009 on the campus of Angelo State University in San Angelo. The Conference is designed to help high school juniors and seniors learn about the Constitution, free enterprise and citizenship.

The Conference is open to students who are entering the 11th or 12th grades in August 2009, who are in the upper 30% of their class scholastically,and who demonstrate good character and a desire to enhance their leadership abilities.

Students who attend do not necessarily need to have rural backgrounds, nor do they have to be Farm Bureau members. The purpose of this program is to develop better-prepared leaders and citizens.

Applicant forms at the Lubbock Country Farm Bureau Office and are due no later than May 1, 2009. All applications must be submitted by a County Farm Bureau.

If you have any questions about the Youth Leadership Conference, contact Coleburn Davis at 254-399-5037, or cdavis@txfb.org.

Chick Fil-A Leadership Seminar

The Chick Fil-A Leadership Seminar will be held at WTA&M University Activity Center in Canyon, Texas , on May 30th – thru June 1st. Many dynamic leaders – all volunteers from fields of business, education, government, and the professions – will address numerous aspects of our changing world and the challenges future leaders will confront. The program will not promote any specific political party, business, religion, or way of thinking, but it is designed to develop an awareness of present and future issues by actively involving seminar participants in discussions and informal debate. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions of the discussion leaders throughout the weekend, which leads to a fuller understanding of topics presented.
Meetings will be held at WTAMU Activity Center. Participants will be assigned to dormitories (Jones Hall) during registration. Orientation will begin on Friday, May 30th, at 10:00 when participants arrive to check in and receive room assignments and will conclude at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, June 1st.

The cost for the seminar is $300.00, which is the responsibility of the student. Scholarships are available by request.

Students should pick up a registration form and information packet from Mrs. Johnson as soon as possible. All forms must be completed and returned by May 15th.

Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership, commonly known as HOBY, is one of the oldest and most prominent youth leadership organizations in the world. Students chosen as HOBY Ambassadors have the opportunity to meet with other sophomores from the region and further develop their leadership abilities. The benefits of HOBY don't stop after attending one of the seminars. HOBY's vast network of cooperating organizations and endorsements from organizations like the NASSP, Optimists International, the American Association of School Administrators, the National Parent Teachers Association and many more, ensure academic and leadership oppotunities provided after HOBY will pay dividends long after a student participates.

All sophomores are eligible for the HOBY leadership seminar and are encouraged to apply.

1. Students interested in applying to be a HOBY scholar should pick up an application packet in the Go Center.
2. Students must write a 75 to 100 word essay over the assigned topic and turn it in with the application by the October 31st deadline. (See topic below)
3. Students need to attach a resume with leadership qualities and activities, extra-curricular activities, community service activities, etc.
4. A selection committee will meet and choose a HOBY scholar and an alternate based upon the essay and the following criteria:

• Outstanding oral and/or written communication skills
• Critical and/or creative thinking
• Creative problem solving
• Strong decision-making skills
• Sensitivity to the needs and concerns of others
• Charismatic personality (others gravitate to him or her)
• Courage to speak out for one’s beliefs
• Courage to challenge authority
• Community service

5. Winners will be notified and the final application will be sent to the HOBY organization by the December 1st deadline.
6. Shallowater High School will pay for the student’s expenses. He/she will be responsible for providing his/her own transportation to and from Amarillo.


Essay topic:

“In 75 to 100 words please describe the most rewarding and challenging aspect of being a leader in your school and community.”

Kaley Knowlton has been chosen to be the SHS HOBY representative for the 2008-09 school year. Kayley will attend the HOBY seminar at Texas Christian University in May. Around 200 students are registered to attend this seminar.

Nathan Stinson was chosen as the alternate and will attend if Kaley is unable to attend.

The Hugh O'Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership seminar provides lifelong leadership development opportunities that empower individuals to achieve their highest potential.

Congratulations to Kaley and Nathan!