On Friday, May 30th - 53 slightly nervous and uncertain High School sophomores from across the state of Maine from Fort Kent to Elliot arrived at the Olsen Student Center on the University of Maine Farmington's campus.

For three days these outstanding young leaders worked together with a team of dedicated volunteers to explore leadership and service and learned that they have true potential to make a positive impact on their communities.  Each student actively engaged in learning activities to understand how their values shape who they are as a leader and how understanding their leadership style as well as the styles of others can make them better team members.  Team challenges put their learning to the test!  

Our ambassadors had the opportunity to listen to and interact with several amazing guest speakers throughout the weekend including Attorney General Janet Mills, Rep. Justin Chenette, Jamie Marcus - Director of Admissions UMF, Laura Moorehead - Institute for Civic Leadership, Jeffrey Jordan - MidCoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, Will Nelligan - Analyst at Archer Gray, LLC., Nate Kane - MYAN and Staci Olsen - Girls on the Run.

Brooke DePuy, one of our 2014 alumni shared this about her experience:
"It is a simply life changing experience. All of the ambassadors are there for the same reason that you are, which is a great feeling. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that no one should pass up! You learn so much about yourself, how to be a leader, and how you can create a ripple effect that could change the world. Everything that goes on at HOBY is so inspiring and it encourages you to really be the best that you can. In the midst of all that, the HOBY experience is also a blast! And you meet so many great people."


Thank you to all our sponsors and dedicated volunteers who made this weekend possible!