The History of HOBY

Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership began in 1958 when Hugh O' Brian returned from Africa highly inspired by his visit with Dr. Albert Schweitzer. Later that year, while portraying the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp on television, Hugh O' Brian decided to make his own contribution to society by establishing the Hugh O' Brian Youth Leadership program. Since that time, HOBY has motivated tens of thousands of young people to realize their leadership potential by conducting annual seminars on a variety of subjects which focus around the theme of "America's Incentive System."

During the years 1958 to 1967, leadership seminars took place in Los Angeles, california, for students from that area. In 1968, HOBY developed its annual, weakling "World Leadership Congress," formerly called the "International Leadership Seminar." Today more than 220 sophomores , representing every state and approximately 25 countries, have the opportunity to interact with nationally recognized leaders from various fields.

Since 1977, the Foundation has been involved in the development of leadership seminars throughout the country so that more high school sophomores may experience high level leadership exposure on a state basis.

The Far West Texas Leadership (FWT) Seminar just conducted its 9th annual seminar. In 1991 and 1992 it was named one of the Outstanding HOBY Seminars Sites in the Country. For the 2001 seminar, FWT HOBY will expand it borders and pick up 16 new schools in the Midland-Odessa areas. Other texas sites are Amarillo, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The FWT Seminar is organized by a volunteer committed of Optimist Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, and other members of the community.

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