2012 CLeW Held at Fontbonne Academy

Written by Maretta Morovitz

On Saturday December 1st 42 freshmen braved the snow and cold to attend the 2012 MA HOBY Community Leadership Workshop (CLeW) at Fontbonne Academy. Joined by more than 15 staff members, these freshmen spent the day learning important leadership skills through a number of interactive leadership activities, three dynamic speakers, a hands-on service project and, as always, the enthusiastic HOBY Spirit! HOBY cheers could be heard as teens arrived and met with their small groups.

Later, they enjoyed a very personal and dynamic talk with Mr. Joseph Sullivan, Mayor of Braintree. As the day continued, students and staff were challenged to a number of leadership activities that required participants to step outside their comfort zones and approach problems using different leadership styles. These leadership skills were then applied through a brief talk and Q & A session with Fontbonne student leader Eliza McDonald. Following Eliza’s presentation, students enjoyed an address by Bill Johnson, who taught the group that, “before you can do something great, you must do something.”

The group then used all of their new leadership skills to complete a service project with Jumpstart, an organization that seeks to improve literacy is some of the area’s poorest neighborhoods. As the day came to an end, students said goodbye to new friends…but not to HOBY! Several students who attended the event excitedly said that they could not wait for sophomore year and the chance to represent their school at HOBY Seminar 2014!

A big HOBY hug for all who helped to make this event possible, particularly Gail Elmore who was a constant source of support during the entire planning process, the fantastic CLeW staff, Andrew Morin, Mitch Luti, Kelly Russo, Nishant Joshi, Dani Crepeau, and Shannon Largey, whose enthusiasm and dedication made this day possible, and to all the HOBY Alumni and friends who volunteered their time as CLeW staff! Maretta Morovitz did an outstanding job as the student chair!

2011 CLeW Held at Westborough High School

On November 19, we held a Community Leadership education Workshop at Westborough High School. We were excited to have 57 freshman in high school in attendance. Our staff of 18 did an OUTSTANDING job keeping the ambassadors engaged and energized. The day began with a very stimulating and interesting discussion on bullying led by our panel composed of MA State Representatives George Peterson, Jr., Matt Beaton and Nick Collins and the Principal of Westborough High School, John Smith. The staff continued the discussion by presenting scenarios and then leading an engaging interactive exchange of opinions. Motivational speaker Bill Johnson kicked off our afternoon session. Then, we had a group team building exercise called Lost at Sea. For community service, everyone planted tulip bulbs in the front garden area of the school. Springtime should be gorgeous! The staff presented various aspects of the HOBY program and explained how to be involved in each element. The day was filled with learning, making new friends, fun times, and great experiences. We were very appreciative of Westborough School District for donating the use of their gorgeous facilities.

2011 CLeW Held at St. Mary's Jr/Sr High School

Last Updated on Tuesday, 08 February 2011 15:56 Written by Karissa Leong Thursday, 27 January 2011 21:00

On Saturday, January 22, 2011, over 50 high school freshmen traveled to Saint Mary's Junior/Senior High School in Worcester for a CLeW. Students began arriving at 8:30 am for a day filled with fun, inspiration, and the HOBY spirit. There was a political panel present, which consisted of three state representatives, George Peterson,Jr., James O'Day, and Ann Margaret Ferrante, who discussed how they evolved into the leaders they are today. Students also participated in the Zoo You! activity, which allowed them to determine what type of leadership personality they display based on the characteristics of different animals. After lunch, Bill Johnson gave a motivational presentation that encouraged the students to seize every opportunity they get and to keep trying to achieve their dreams. Towards the end of the afternoon, students participated in two leadership for service activities. The first activity was to examine hundreds of pens, bags, water bottles, and notebooks for MicroLoan, a nonprofit organization that helps women in Africa. The second activity was to help sort magazines, toiletries, and food items to send to our troops overseas. Overall, the day was extremely successful. Friendships were formed and all of those students now know how outstanding HOBY really is.

2010 CLeW Held at Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School

Last Updated on Tuesday, 08 February 2011 15:47 Written by Adam Magier Sunday, 21 November 2010 13:41

On November 20^th, 64 freshmen from the greater Cape Cod area joined MA HOBY in the CleW. CLeW, or Community Leadership Workshop, is a workshop for freshman to learn what HOBY is about. With the guidance of the 16 staff members that were there, the students who participated had a fun and exciting day including listening to motivational speakers, doing a community service event, and learning leadership qualities through interactive games. The students did a community service event for the Mashpee Food Pantry where they organized food for the pantry which they had been asked to bring in. Through the community service event, the planning for the CleW, and the volunteer staff, a total of 308 hours of community service were volunteered, totaling $8106.56. The CleW was a great success for everyone who participated.