A Marian Catholic High School sophomore recently represented his school at the 2011 Hugh O'Brien Youth Ambassador seminar at Millersville University, Millersville, May 19-22.

Sister Bernard Agnes,

I.H.M. principal, announced Damian Richards, son of Ralph and Jeanette Richards, Jim Thorpe would join other high school ambassadors from every high school in Central Pennsylvania at the four-day event. Taylor Troyanoski, daughter of Sandra Troyanoski, Weatherly was chosen as an alternate ambassador.The seminar's purpose is to recognize and develop leadership potential in outstanding sophomores. It provides a structured and intense setting for young people to interact with recognized local, state and national leaders of business, education, the arts, government and the professions on the theme of "Motivating Tomorrows Leaders Today" and "Volunteerism/Service Learning."Richards is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, Rotary Youth Leadership Institute, consistent honor roll student and participates in JV and Varsity football and basketball.As a freshman, Richards was chosen as a recipient of the Diocese of Allentown Bishop's Scholar Society.His parish and community involvement consists of: church volunteer at Immaculate Conception Parish as an altar server, decorating committee, and cemetery groundskeeping. Student volunteer for Little Colts Youth Football, and Jim Thorpe Rotary Christmas Gift Giving Program, Franklin Township Babe Ruth 15 YO all star, Little League umpire with Blue Mountain Umpires Association.As a seminar participant, Richards will help to foster a better understanding of the business world and emerging global marketplace. The seminar will encourage them to strengthen their own leadership skills by sharing their seminar experience with others in their own communities.As part of HOBY's commitment to the 1997 Presidential Summit for America's Future, participants will be required to complete and report 100 hours of community service following a service project at the seminar.HOBY was founded by movie and stage actor Hugh O'Brian (Wyatt Earp of the popular 50s series) in 1958 after he visited with Dr. Albert Schweitzer in Africa. Today, there are 90 HOBY leadership seminars in all 50 states, sponsored totally by contributions of local corporations, businesses and civic organizations.Students attending the seminar pay nothing for this experience. Each seminar site will select one boy and girl to attend the 2011 World Leadership Congress, a 10-day, all-expense-paid seminar at Loyola University Chicago in Chicago, Ill. from July 23-30.For information about HOBY activities, visit

www.hoby.org.