(above) Niklas Birse
The Woman’s Club of Westfield recently sponsored Niklas Birse, son of Carole and Darcy Birse of Westfield, to attend the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership program (Hoby). The three-day program took place in June at Monmouth University in West Long Branch and was attended by high school students chosen to attend from all over the state of New Jersey. Nicholas will be an incoming senior at Westfield High school this fall.
Hoby’s mission is to inspire and develop the global community of youth toward a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. The program included lectures, planned activities and panels adapted to developing young people with individual and group leadership skills. The students were given the opportunity to meet many new faces and begin lasting friendships. Niklas described his experience as a very interesting time filled with many ideas for his academic and social future.
The Hoby time served as a prelude, an introduction to college life. Founded in 1958, Hoby programs are conducted annually throughout the United States and abroad serving local and international high school students.
