Sarah Tinsley was announced as the 2014 Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership award winner during the Dawson County Board of Education meeting Nov. 11.

According to Mary Mullinaux with the Dawson County Woman's Club, the honor is presented annually to a student who aspires to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.

"Sara is a special person and very involved," said Mullinaux. "She is the sophomore class president, a member of Beta [Club] and the National Honor Society and participates in the marching band, jazz band, FBLA, Juniorettes and the Technology Student Association."

Tinsley said she was caught off guard by the recognition.

"At first, I was in shock. I didn't expect to get it, due to being so involved and all over the place with all these different clubs," she said. "Once it hit me, I was really excited."

In addition to the award, the recipient gets to attend to the Hugh O'Brian Youth Seminar at Berry College in Rome.

"I've never been to something that I've actually been selected to go to," Tinsley said. "I've heard about their leadership trainings and programs along with team building."

"They really push self-confidence, being creative and thinking outside the box to get people involved."

Tinsley said she hopes it will help build her future career.

"I feel very blessed to get the opportunity to go. I really hope that I can learn to be a better leader," she said. "I'm looking into trying out for an executive management type role, so this program will really help me in my future to be a great leader."

Should Tinsley not be able to attend the conference, Sarah Rogers will serve as the alternate, according to Mullinaux, who described her as "a very special young lady."

"We are very fortunate to be represented by these outstanding students," she said.