[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16964]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE HUGH O'BRIAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM ON THEIR 50TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM H. PUTNAM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 29, 2008

  Mr. PUTNAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Hugh O'Brian 
Youth Leadership Program as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary this 
summer. Since its foundation, HOBY has instilled valuable leadership 
techniques in over 365,000 high school sophomores creating exceptional 
leaders for our future.
  As a recipient of the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Program my 
sophomore year in high school, and now a proud alumnus, HOBY afforded 
me the honor of representing my classmates, my neighbors, and my 
community. It's not often a teenager gets to be an ambassador--but HOBY 
has given that chance to hundreds of thousands of students.
  HOBY has proved to be an outstanding influence on our younger 
generations. Each year, with over two million volunteer hours recorded 
by HOBY students and volunteers, HOBY participants are making a 
difference. HOBY's success is also evident in the many non-profit 
organizations that have been created by HOBY alumni, including Food for 
Thought and Our Education.
  HOBY Ambassadors are now recognized in more than 20 countries at the 
World Leadership Congress. Their program has grown to include students 
from Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Mexico, Israel, Hong Kong, Taiwan and 
Korea. By extending the HOBY experience internationally, it allows HOBY 
Ambassadors to take one step further and encourage innovative thinking.
  May their mission continue to thrive as they ``provide lifelong 
leadership development opportunities that empower youth to achieve 
their highest potential''. Congratulations on 50 years of tremendous 
success.

                          ____________________