Brooke Sasser represented East Bladen High School while attending the 2004 Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY) in Raleigh June 11-13, at N.C. State University. Sasser joined more than 180 other students from across the state, each nominated as "Ambassadors" by their High Schools, for an intensive three-day leadership training seminar.

Brooke is the daughter of Jean and Keith Clark of Elizabethtown and granddaughter of Calvin and Betty Sasser, also of Elizabethtown. She is a rising junior at East Bladen High School.

HOBY Seminars are run by volunteers throughout the country. The North Carolina HOBY Seminar is managed and staffed by the Raleigh Jaycees, a local civic organization that promotes leadership development through community service among young professionals.

"HOBY has become not only a tradition for students from all across North Carolina, but for the Raleigh Jaycees as well," remarks Raleigh Jaycees President Allison Friar. "We find it an honor to serve those whose passion for the community inspires us to do great things."

HOBY Leadership Seminars bring together students who demonstrated leadership in their schools and communities and provide them a chance to develop their critical thinking skills, learn about their own leadership styles, and gain a stronger appreciation for community service and volunteerism.

Through panels featuring distinguished leaders in business, government, education and the media, Ambassadors listen and learn about ways to succeed and make a difference in their communities. They also participate in hands-on community service projects throughout the Triangle area and interactive leadership development activities.

Established in 1958 by actor Hugh O'Brian (known for his role as Wyatt Earp on television) as a way to make his own contribution to society. HOBY has become known as a training ground for tomorrow's leaders.

-30-