From left are Olivia Daw, Charlotte Taylor of Alleghany High School and Aly Parish, participants in the Virginia Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar held May 29-31 at James Madison University in Harrisonburg. Daw and Parish are two of the many student connections Taylor made during the leadership development program. (AHPS Photo)

Charlotte Taylor Represents AHS at HOBY Seminar   Low Moor, VA (June 9, 2026) - Alleghany High School sophomore Charlotte Taylor recently took part in the Virginia Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar in Harrisonburg. Taylor was selected to represent Alleghany High School at the event, which was held at James Madison University May 29-31. The seminar brings together 10th-grade students for a weekend of leadership activities and team-building designed to strengthen confidence, develop leadership skills, and build connections with students from across Virginia. Throughout the weekend, Taylor participated in hands-on workshops, small-group discussions and interactive activities focused on communication, goal-setting and service leadership. The program encourages students to examine their own leadership styles and consider how they can use their strengths to make a positive impact in their schools and communities. Reflecting on the experience, Taylor said, “I had a great time and I really enjoyed being at JMU. It is a beautiful campus. I learned a lot of important life lessons and leadership skills I will apply to my life. I made a lot of memories and will never forget this weekend.” AHS Principal Derek Cantrell praised Taylor for representing the school and taking advantage of the opportunity. “We are proud of Charlotte for representing Alleghany High School and Alleghany Highlands Public Schools at this year’s HOBY conference,” Cantrell said. “Opportunities like this help students grow, connect with peers and bring new ideas back to our school community.” Students are chosen for HOBY through their school based on leadership qualities such as working well with others, serving their school or community, and being a positive role model for their peers. Taylor, who will be a junior this fall, is active in Key Club, Pep Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She also participates in cross country as well as indoor and outdoor track. HOBY was founded in 1958 by actor Hugh O’Brian with the mission of inspiring and developing youth to become leaders in their schools and communities. Each year, thousands of students nationwide are nominated by their schools to attend state leadership seminars, where they engage in experiential learning and leadership development activities. Taylor will have the opportunity to participate in additional HOBY programs, including community service projects and alumni events, as part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to youth leadership development and continued engagement beyond the seminar weekend. The Covington Woman’s Club provided funding to pay for Taylor to attend HOBY Seminar, continuing its longstanding support of youth leadership programs. Each year, the club sponsors local students to attend HOBY and Girls State and Boys State, giving them opportunities to build leadership skills and bring those experiences back to their school and community.  For more information about HOBY, visit www.hoby.org.

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