Marian Catholic High School rising senior Brooke Hannis-Miskar recently attended the 2026 Hugh O’Brian Youth World Leadership Congress, held July 25 to Aug. 1 on the campus of the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

The event brought together 298 student ambassadors representing 44 states and nine countries for a week of leadership development, service, and global collaboration.

Hannis-Miskar earned the opportunity after being selected as one of two ambassadors from Marian Catholic to participate in the 2025 Central Pennsylvania HOBY Leadership Seminar at Millersville University.

The World Leadership Congress brings together students recognized for their leadership, service, and commitment to making a positive impact in their schools and communities.

Throughout the week, participants took part in leadership workshops, service projects, team-building activities, and small-group discussions focused on communication, collaboration, servant leadership, and global citizenship. The experience allowed students from across the United States and around the world to exchange ideas, develop leadership skills, and explore ways to create positive change in their communities.

“It was an incredible experience meeting students from so many different backgrounds,” Hannis-Miskar said. “We all came from very different places, yet we all shared the same goal of becoming better leaders and creating positive change in the world.”

She said one of the most meaningful lessons she learned was that leadership is rooted in listening to and serving others.

“One of the biggest takeaways for me was that leadership is about helping others feel valued and included,” she said. “It challenged me to think more deeply about how I can use my influence to make sure every voice is heard, not just the loudest person in the room.”

The HOBY World Leadership Congress continued a summer of leadership development for Hannis-Miskar, who earlier represented Pennsylvania as one of only 16 students selected by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to attend the National Federation of State High School Associations National Student Leadership Summit in Indianapolis.

At Marian Catholic, Hannis-Miskar is active in numerous leadership, academic, athletic, and service organizations. She serves in leadership roles with the Evangelization Team, Student Council, Catholic Athletes for Christ, CRS/SADD, the Student Ambassador Program, Marian Mentor Program, and the Immaculate Heart Service Society. She is also a member of National Honor Society, Academic Team, STEM Club, Diversity Club/Youth Leadership, and the Middle States Accreditation Committee.

A four-year varsity basketball player and a team captain, Hannis-Miskar also competes in varsity track and field while maintaining Distinguished Honors throughout high school. She has completed hundreds of hours of community service through mentoring, tutoring, nursing home visits, Catholic Charities food service, community events, and charitable fundraisers.

As she begins her senior year, Hannis-Miskar hopes to continue sharing the lessons she gained through HOBY with her classmates and younger students.

“I will definitely use what I’ve learned to encourage others to get involved and serve their communities,” she said. “Everyone has the ability to make a difference. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited to put these lessons into action at Marian Catholic and in my community.”

HOBY is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to developing youth leadership through service, education, and experiential learning, empowering students to become positive change-makers in their schools and communities.