John Paul II Catholic School is proud to announce that three outstanding students—Marie Sophia Alvarez, Alexandra Crocker, and Leonardo Iskandar—have been selected to attend the annual Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Community Leadership Workshop. These rising leaders will join a select group of high school sophomores from across the region for a transformative weekend of leadership development and community engagement.

Held each summer in locations across the nation, HOBY Leadership Workshops are designed to empower young people to recognize their leadership potential and use their talents to make a positive impact. Participants are nominated based on their academic standing, commitment to service, and demonstrated leadership within their school and community.

At the workshop, Marie Sophia, Alexandra, and Leonardo will:

• Participate in interactive seminars and team-building activities led by business professionals, community leaders, and educators.
• Engage in discussions about current global and local issues, ethics, and social responsibility.
• Develop critical thinking and communication skills through collaborative problem-solving.
• Learn how to identify and nurture their personal leadership styles.
• Be challenged to complete 100 hours of community service in the year following the workshop as part of HOBY’s commitment to service leadership.

“HOBY gives students the tools and confidence they need to lead with purpose,” said JPII guidance counselor, Sr. Mary Beth Kubera. “We are incredibly proud of these students and excited to see the ways they will continue to grow as servant-leaders within our school and beyond.”

Founded in 1958 by actor and philanthropist Hugh O’Brian, HOBY has become one of the nation’s foremost youth leadership programs, inspiring over 500,000 students to live lives dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation.

Please join us in congratulating Marie Sophia, Alexandra, and Leonardo on this exceptional achievement. We look forward to witnessing the lasting impact their experiences will have on their communities—and their futures.