East Meadow High School Student Is HOBY Ambassador

EAST MEADOW, NY - From East Meadow Union Free School District: East Meadow High School sophomore Leilani Blakeman has been recognized as a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership ambassador for the 2017-2018 academic year.

According to its website, HOBY, founded in 1958, is an organization that inspires and develops youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.

As an ambassador, Leilani will participate with other teenagers in the HOBY Leadership Conference in June, where she will collaborate with recognized leaders in business, government, education and other professions to discuss current world issues.

Leilani was selected through a rigorous process that included an interview by faculty, administration and a former HOBY ambassador. She unanimously impressed the panel with her poise, confidence and genuine concern for others.

Leilani is a very conscientious student who is enrolled in Advanced Placement and honors classes, and is involved in numerous extracurricular activities. She is a member of the school’s Model Congress, World Hunger Action and Key clubs, and is also an active member of the English, Social Studies and Tri-M Music honor societies.

With a passion for the arts, Leilani participates in the school’s Theatre Guild and serves as treasurer of the school’s choir. Outside of school, she takes private dance lessons and is active in the regional and local theater community. Her proudest moment in theater was making it to the final callback for the part of young Cosette in “Les Miserables,” on Broadway.

“We are very proud to be represented by Leilani,” said guidance counselor Mona Allen. “She is mature, intelligent, sincere and a natural leader.”

Photo courtesy of the East Meadow Union Free School District