Briarcliff Sophomore Chosen to Attend Leadership Conference

Briarcliff High School student Jackson Heitzler (pictured with BHS Counseling Coordinator Meredith Safer, HOBY 2017 Alternate Christopher Li, and BHS Principal Debra French) will represent the district at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program, designed to foster leadership, service and innovation in youth, at Adelphi University from June 8-10, 2018. During the 3-4 day seminar, HOBY ambassadors will meet, interact with, and question current leaders in such fields as government, media, business, and education. Actor Hugh O'Brian founded this non-profit organization in 1958 "to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our global society through understanding and action based on effective and compassionate leadership."

Heitzler was selected as this year’s BHS winner, and Christopher Li as the alternate, after their essays received the highest scores during a blind reading by the school’s four counselors.

“Each entry this year was excellent and as usual it was a tough decision. I think that Jackson’s ended up with the highest score because he took a different approach than what traditionally comes to mind when thinking of a leader. He talked about standing up for a friend and helping a new student integrate into the Briarcliff community,” explained Coordinator of Counseling Meredith Safer.
“On the other hand, Chris wrote about traditional leadership qualities, but the juxtaposition of his two differing activities, sports and volunteer work, was compelling, “Safer continued. “As educators, the counselors were moved by both but in different ways.”

HOBY embodies the qualities of volunteerism, integrity, excellence, diversity and community partnership, all of which, Heitzler agreed were played a vital role in success in a school environment.
Heitzler said, “I feel honored that my counselors liked my essay ultimately chose and me as this year’s delegate because it shows that they believe that I can use my leadership skills to help others.”
“I think the leadership qualities I present are confidence, honesty, and maintaining a positive attitude even when things are going as planned,” he said. “Being a leader means believing both in yourself and others while standing up for what you believe is right rather than what is popular.”

Heitzler currently volunteers with a club which helps men and women with special needs perform in competitive sports. I also volunteer with a charity called Nothing But Nets which raises money to create and buy nets to keep mosquitoes away kids and adults who suffer from Malaria. He is looking forward to learning more about giving back during the HOBY program.