Date: Fri 15-May-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: MICHEL

Quick Words:

HOBY-Cassie-Shewmaker

Full Text:

Learning Leadership Skills

BY MICHELE HOGAN

Cassie Shewmaker, a Newtown High School sophomore, believes now, more than

ever, in raising money for charity. She plans to assist the Hugh O'Brian Youth

Foundation (HOBY) in raising money for a children's hospital and a food

kitchen.

Cassie was inspired to get involved with these community efforts after

attending a HOBY conference in Vernon last month. There she learned about

volunteerism, women in the workplace, and the rights of young adults.

Although the speakers raised some important issues, Cassie recognized that

some of the speakers may have had several reasons for speaking to youth.

She said, "I noticed that issues got left behind, and it often turned into

commercials -- speakers giving descriptions of what they do."

But she said that overall it was a great experience. She said, "It challenged

me to think more and question more."

Cassie was impressed with the way that students organized and ran the

conference, and enjoyed the debates on driving, sports figures as role models,

and questions of whether portions of parks should be set aside for

skateboarding.

She is planning on staying involved in HOBY, and said she will try to run the

"Clew" (a meeting to develop leadership potential in sophomores) in the fall.

Freshmen interested in student leadership can apply to HOBY through the

Newtown High School in September.