Dawson County High School sophomores Taylor Daniel and Braxton Zeidler were announced as the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) scholarship recipients Nov. 29.
Daniel was named the winner Zeidler the alternate. Woman’s Club member Priscilla Taylor presented the scholarships to the two outstanding students.
“It was hard to decide this year,” said Taylor.
There
were seven strong applicants and the ladies had a difficult time deciding the
winners.The Club interviewed the potential candidates and looked
for innovative students that showed dedication to their community.
"It’s about ‘just being the kind of individual who cares for others,’” said Taylor.
“We’re proud of our students and excited for them to represent us at the conference,” said Principal Richard Crumley.
The Dawson County Woman’s Club sponsors the scholarships for outstanding youth to attend the annual HOBY conference. This year, the conference will be held at Agnus Scott College June 1-3, 2018.
“They are both quiet leaders and very humble, said counselor Kate Jarrard. “I’m really proud of them.”
One of the things the Woman’s Club loved about Daniel is that she is always learning about herself and her dedication to her education and community. Only a sophomore, Daniel is second in her class and is working hard to become valedictorian her senior year. Outside of the classroom, she works with Developmental Academy Soccer, helping developmentally disabled children play soccer.
Daniel wrote in her essay to the Woman's Club that helped her win the scholarship that “being a leader means respecting others, putting their needs before your own, and taking accountability.”
“Talk about a dynamic individual,” said Taylor. “She is an incredible young lady.”
Zeidler was named the alternate and will also be traveling with Daniel to Agnes Scott in June. Zeidler learned his leadership qualities from having many leaders in his family.
In his essay, he wrote that “to be a good, knowing leader, you have to have quality experience” which he has received by taking care of his siblings and volunteering as a counselor at summer camp.
Academically, Zeidler recently won third place in regionals for an Future Business Leaders of America graphic design and logo he created for the DCHS yearbook. He was also the Homecoming Representative.
“He’s just a nice kid,” said Jarrard who has been Zeidler’s counselor since the sixth grade. “He is very charismatic and humble.”
Daniel and Zeidler will be presented to the board of education and public by Priscilla Taylor in February where they will receive a plaque for their achievement. In September, they will be meeting with the Woman’s Club to tell them all about their experiences at the conference. It is something Taylor says the club looks forward to every year.
HOBY was founded in 1958 and has nearly 10,000 students participating in its programs annually. According to the official HOBY website, their mission is to “inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.”