By Micah Furr

Carson High School

This year, I represented my school, Jesse C. Carson, at Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation N.C. West camp.

Better known as HOBY, the three-day leadership program for rising high school juniors was held at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem June 12-14.

HOBY was an adventure for me. It was nothing like I had ever experienced before. I participated in leadership development workshops and activities, attended panel sessions that featured prominent speakers from businesses, government and other educational communities and also participated in community service projects. During this camp, I gained three community service hours.

Our counselors and facilitators gave us a challenge on the last day – participate in over 100 hours of community service within the next year. With the new ideas I gained, like making blankets for Project Linus, making Little Free Libraries and volunteering my time in my area to enhance my neighborhood, I am positive I can reach this goal I have been given.

On Friday, more than 100 rising juniors, none of whom knew each other, gathered at the Wake Forest campus, not sure if this “HOBY thing” was going to be worth it. I am positive that all of us left that camp enthusiastic about leadership and ready to begin leading in our communities.

I know that I made several lifelong friendships and created great memories. I encourage anyone who is a rising sophomore to ask your guidance counselor at your school about HOBY and participate in this wonderful experience, as well. You wonʼt regret it.

Micah Furr is a rising junior at Jesse C. Carson High School