TROY – Nearly 200 high school sophomores will descend on Troy University to attend the Alabama Leadership Seminar’s Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership conference May 27-29.

The event marks the first time in the conference’s 25-year history in Alabama that it will be held at the University.

Modeled after HOBY’s World Leadership Congress, and part of the HOBY program, the seminar provides an opportunity to build on leadership skills already possessed by the student ambassadors. Students are nominated by their respective high schools and are chosen to attend based on emerging leadership ability, the ability to work well with others, a desire for new pursuits and a willingness to learn and share.

Students will hear from a wide variety of speakers on volunteerism, public and civic service and current events. They will also develop skits, write papers and meet with business and government leaders during the weekend.

“HOBY is an outstanding program with a long-standing track record of successfully molding young leaders,” said Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. “HOBY ambassadors represent some of the finest students in Alabama and we’re pleased to partner with HOBY and Alabama Leadership Seminar to bring the event to our campus.”

One boy and one girl representing the state of Alabama will be chosen from the seminar to attend the HOBY World Leadership Congress in Washington , D.C. in late July.

HOBY has had more than 335,000 student ambassadors since its foundation in 1958 by actor Hugh O’Brian, most famous for his ABC Television role of Wyatt Earp. In Alabama , the seminar has traditionally been held on the campus of Huntington College .