DeSoto schools select HOBY leaders

OLIVE BRANCH - Center Hill High School sophomore Chelsea Dilliard will be among thousands of students across the U.S. to represent her school as one of tomorrow’s leaders at the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership seminar this spring.

Dilliard, daughter of Johnny and Amy Dilliard of Olive Branch, was among a pool of about 25 sophomores at her school nominated for the honor by teachers and staff.
“I think she is an outstanding young lady,” said CHHS counselor Nancy Josey. “She has upstanding character and is well-respected by her peers and teachers. She will be a great representative for our school.”

CHHS principal George Loper agrees.

“She is a wonderful student and serves as a good role model for others,” he said. “I wish I had 1,130 other students here at Center Hill High School just like her.”

The HOBY Leadership seminars bring together a select group of high school sophomores from public and private high schools throughout each state in the nation to interact with groups of distinguished leaders in business, government, education and other sectors to discuss present and future issues.

Dilliard said she is excited about the opportunity.

“This is the first time I have been selected for something of this enormity,” she said. “I’m excited. It’s truly an honor.”

Dilliard, along with other DeSoto County School District HOBY representatives including sophomores Hayden Davis of Lewisburg High, Lauren Hamm of DeSoto Central High, and Mary Myers of Horn Lake High as well as others throughout the state, will attend the HOBY Leadership seminar at Millsaps College in Jackson May 29-31.

Olive Branch, Hernando, and Southaven high schools are still accepting nominations for their HOBY representatives.