Adelphi’s HOBY Scholars Grow
Confidence, Leadership Skills

Follow the leaders!

In early June, Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn Upper Schoolers Kenn and Samantha attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar along with representatives from schools throughout the New York Metro area. It was an enlightening experience that both Adelphians said they cherished.

The best part was that the seminar took place at Adelphi’s sister school, Adelphi University!

“It was so fun. I loved it!” Samantha told the Oracle. “We were broken into groups by letter. My group’s letter was ‘P’ and I came up with our group name, ‘Pink Panthers’ because that’s Adelphi’s mascot. Everyone was impressed that I knew the school’s history, so that was a good feeling.”

Kenn also felt comfortable from the very beginning and took an active role within his group.

“Our group letter was ‘M’ so I suggested the name ‘Mini Mammoths’ and helped design the logo,” he said. “Then we had to come up with a business plan based on items that we bid on and I suggested we sell handmade dreamcatchers. We sold out of them, so that was exciting.”

The weekend-long seminar featured several guest speakers who shared inspirational stories about leadership and growth. These stories stayed with the eager Adelphians and will help them in the upcoming academic year.

“I learned not to be afraid and that when you’re in trouble it’s important to stay calm to make better decisions,” Kenn said.

“One of the things that stuck with me was the importance of the four B’s — be brave, be yourself, be balanced and believe in something,” Samantha said.

In addition to the structured workshops and teambuilding exercises, the HOBY seminar allowed the Adelphians a chance to experience college life.

“It was an experience that helped me feel more independent,” Samantha said. “I definitely want to come back as a HOBY counselor next year to pass on the tradition!”

Both HOBY Scholars took great pride in having been selected to participate in this seminar, as they carried out a legacy that is shared by Adelphi’s Director of Academy Operations Mr. Corhan, who was selected to participate during his time as an Adelphian.

“Mr. Corhan prepared us a lot for the experience,” Kenn said. “We learned about what he saw and did when he was there, so we were prepared and confident going in.”

Head of School Ms. Romanos was pleased to welcome the HOBY Scholars back to Adelphi for a very special visit this past summer.

“Congratulations to our HOBY scholars, Samantha and Kenn, who were able to absorb so much from the HOBY experience and who returned with a new perspective on how to be a leader at Adelphi,” Ms. Romanos said. “I am looking forward to seeing them implement what they have learned into Adelphian life this upcoming academic year.”