Angelina Becker and Austin Hunsberger were chosen by counselors for their leadership skills.
By Gary Weckselblatt
With leadership skills already flourishing, Quakertown Community High School sophomores Angelina Becker and Austin Hunsberger have been nominated for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) scholarship.
The award comes with an invitation to attend a weekend leadership seminar at Albright College in Reading from June 5-7.
These outstanding students were selected by QCHS counselors based upon their written essays. Prompts asked for an example of when they showed leadership skills or an example of when they didn't and how they would respond differently today.
“Angelina and Austin were chosen among several applicants for their authentic and inspiring essays,” said counselor Erica Henry. “Both students demonstrated the leadership characteristics that are nurtured and expanded upon during their HOBY experience. Austin and Angelina will be excellent ambassadors for Quakertown Community High School.”
She said the seminars offer "a great chance for Angelina and Austin to grow both here in school and in the greater community. At Albright, "they'll get to experience college life and meet other student leaders while taking part in workshops," Ms. Henry said.
Recent QCHS HOBY winners include Emily Kelso, Riya Sembhi, Tyler Einolf, Melissa Nong, Nate Besch and Sara Vahdatshoar.
“I’m so honored I was accepted,” Angelina said. “My mom has always talked to me about being a leader and stepping up to be the best I can be. I’m excited to push my leadership skills even further, take what I’ve learned and share it with my peers and eventually broaden it to include others. This is just a start.”
Austin has been a Boy Scout Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 007, where he is a Life Scout. He believes the program will help him expand his abilities as a leader. “I want to be able to organize people if the situation calls for it,” Austin said. “If someone is injured or there’s a dangerous situation, I want to step up and safely help them to an evacuation scene.”
According to the HOBY website, the State Leadership Seminar, HOBY's flagship program, allows students to recognize their leadership talents and apply them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace and community. Students attend seminars and participate in hands-on leadership activities, meet leaders in their state, and explore their own personal leadership skills while learning how to make a positive impact in their community.
The Woman's Club of Quakertown makes a donation to the district to help fund the program.
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].