Seward High School Sophomore Haley Curry was selected and named the 2026-27 Hugh O’ Brian Youth (HOBY) representative for Seward High and will represent SHS at the annual HOBY Leadership event in late spring at the Central Community College in Hastings. She was selected by a panel of judges based on her interview and her written application. First Runner -Up/Alternate for the program is Jessica Freeman, also a sophomore.
Other finalists for the program were Zoey Martin, Owen Rodocker and Angela Wynegar-all SHS Sophomores. One student from each high school is welcome to attend the leadership weekend.
Serving as judges for the students were Melanie Ayres, Jon and Bonnie Kruse of the Seward Rotary Club and Ellen Chaffin with the GFWC Seward Women’s Club. The in-person interviews were held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Seward United Methodist Church -across the street from the high school. Rotarians Clark Kolterman coordinated the interviews, and Greg Zabka made the arrangements for the facility use. SHS Junior, Lexi Collings served as the host and timer for the interviews.
The Hugh O Brian representative is sponsored by the School District of Seward High Ability Learner Program (HAL) and the program is endorsed by the International Service organizations of Seward - Rotary International, Kiwanis International and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, INC. (GFWC). Seward has sent a representative to HOBY annually for decades, when it first started in Nebraska. SHS Sophomore, Jennifer Kruse was the first HOBY student from Seward High to attend.
The Hugh O’ Brian Youth (HOBY) leadership program was founded in 1958 by actor Hugh O’ Brian, who wanted to make a difference in the world’s youth-and he created this international youth leadership program, with state and international events. The HOBY program welcomes school and community nominated high school sophomores to 3–4-day seminars each spring and summer. These student ambassadors participate in facilitated dialogue and abilities-based workshops to develop awareness of their leadership strengths and an understanding of their leadership values.
Through these dynamic activities with their peers, students hone their skills and learn to recognize, amplify, and collaborate with the diverse strengths of others. Held on college or university campuses, our programs give students a taste of college life while they dive into our engaging and FUN leadership development curriculum. A HOBY seminar unlocks a student’s leadership potential and helps them gain the confidence to make a positive impact on the world around them.
For more information contact HOBY.com