Two Students Selected for National Leadership Program
December 16, 2021
Ryan Koneval ’24 and John Lakeman ’24 have been selected as Christian Brothers Academy’s representatives in the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) National Leadership Seminar.
HOBY’s flagship program allows high school sophomores to recognize their leadership talents and apply them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace and community. Students attend three or four day seminars and participate in hands-on leadership activities, meet leaders in their state, and explore their own personal leadership skills while learning how to make a positive impact in their community.
The seminar curriculum is based on the Social Change Model of Leadership and develops leadership from three perspectives: Personal Leadership, Group Leadership, and Leadership for Society. Both students closely met core HOBY values of volunteerism, integrity, excellence and community partnership.
Described as an “emerging leader” by guidance counselor Mr. David Frick, Koneval has been heavily involved in Pegasus Production Company, serving as the student director. He has also been active in a variety of clubs, including Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club and the Comic Book & Anime Club.
“My position with Pegasus has helped me learn to deal with responsibility, handle and work with groups of people, as well as give and take constructive criticism,” Koneval said. “My involvement at CBA has made me more comfortable in social settings.”
Lakeman is currently the Underclassmen Vice President of the Student Council, as well as a member of the jazz combo band and the track team. Lakeman’s guidance counselor, Ms. Gina Morrello, was impressed by his pride and enthusiasm for all things CBA.
“My experience so far at CBA has helped me to understand what it means to be a leader,” Lakeman said. “I have come to understand through my position in Student Council that being a leader at CBA boils down to communicating with other students to create positive changes in our school. I look forward to continuing to develop into a better person and a better leader.”
Over 10,000 students across the country will participate in their state’s leadership seminar this spring.
The seminar weekend is filled with interactive activities and workshops that allow students to discover their personal leadership strengths. After understanding leadership from three different perspectives, students then learn to cultivate their skills to lead others and make a positive impact in their community.