Seaford’s emerging leaders selected for HOBY conference

Already active in student life at Seaford High School, four sophomores will be able to take their involvement to next level as they have been selected to attend the 2024 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership conference in June. Alyssa Fariello, Matthew Kind, Mia Leggio and Victoria Stebner will be the school’s next HOBY ambassadors and hope to use the skills they learn to make a positive difference at school and in the community.

“It’s an honor,” Alyssa said. “I’m happy that I was selected and I’m hoping to learn how to be a better leader.”

Alyssa is president of the Knitting and Crochet Club, a member of the Culture Club and Leos Club and plays clarinet in the band. Matthew is involved with student government as president of the sophomore class, is treasurer of the Key Club, a member of Best Buddies and plays junior varsity football and baseball.

For Mia, her involvement includes being secretary of the sophomore class, vice president of Best Buddies, a singer in the chorale, a member of the Bracket Leadership Team and a three-sport athlete in soccer, track and field and lacrosse. Victoria belongs to the cheerleading squad, is secretary of the new Fishing Club, a member of the Color Guard and Key Club, and a flutist in the band.

“I’m excited to see how I will grow and how I will use what I learn to help others grow,” Victoria said.

More than 20 students were nominated to be HOBY ambassadors, following teacher recommendations. All candidates had interviews with a panel of administrators, teachers, guidance counselors and past HOBY ambassadors.

“It’s a tough competition to be selected because we thrive on building leaders,” Principal Nicole Schnabel said. “They’re our ambassadors of the future. We’re going to be counting on them to train future leaders, and that’s a meaningful role.”

Matthew is the second member of his family to be chosen, as his brother, Billy, was a HOBY ambassador in 2021. He said he wants to take the lessons from the conference to become more comfortable as a leader and also help lift up others at Seaford High School.

“It’s great to see that my hard work and leadership was recognized,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being a role model and setting an example for others.”

Mia said she wants to be an inclusive leader, who can confidently make decisions after listening to the opinions of her peers.

“I hope by doing this, I’ll become a better, stronger leader,” Mia said.

HOBY’s 2024 New York Metro region conference will be held from June 7 to June 9 at Adelphi University. Alyssa, Matthew, Mia and Victoria will be among approximately 150 student ambassadors from Long Island, New York City, and Westchester and Rockland counties to attend. The program will include guest speakers, workshops, leadership activities and social events.

“It’s been such a long tradition at Seaford High School,” Alyssa said, “and to be a part of that means a lot.”