Q: When will the seminar be held? A: Seminar participants may register any time after 8:00 a.m. but before 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 4. The Mississippi Leadership Seminar will begin with orientation on June 4, at 10:30 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 6.
Q: Where should I go when I arrive? A: Enter the facility through the security gate on Webster Street (just off North State Street) and proceed to the parking lot on the right. We ask that you leave your luggage in your car until you have completed registration. There will be an information tent for parents in the parking lot. Ambassadors are asked to proceed to the New South Hall lobby. A HOBY committee member will greet you and sign you in. You will then receive your room key.
Q: What kind of program is planned? A: A: During your HOBY seminar experience, many dynamic leaders--all volunteers from the fields of business, education, government, and various professions--will address numerous aspects of our changing world and the challenges future leaders will confront. The program will not promote any specific political party, business, religion, or way of thinking, but it is designed to develop an awareness of present and future issues by actively involving seminar participants in discussions and informal debate. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the discussion leaders through the weekend, which leads to a fuller understanding of the topics presented. The program includes outstanding speakers, entertainment including a talent show, a choice of a dance or a social, and a special closing ceremony to which your parents are invited.
You will be asked to become part of HOBY's commitment to the "President's Summit for America's Future". By undertaking a community serve project(s) involving at least 100 hours, you'll have the opportunity to join 14,000 other HOBY Ambassadors in making a difference in your school, community, place of worship, or other "environment" in which you see a need.
During the Mississippi Leadership Seminar, it will be determined which two participants (one boy and one girl) will represent Mississippi at the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership's World Leadership Congress (WLC) later in the summer.
Q: What action should I take with the packet I received in the mail? (in late March/early April) A: Enclosed are a registration, travel itinerary, consent and acknowledgement of risk, medical history and health insurance forms. The consent and acknowledgement of risk form MUST BE NOTARIZED! Complete all forms and secure parental/guardian signatures on the travel, consent, and medical history forms. If you unable to attend, please call and give us the courtesy of knowing so that we may select another ambassador in your absence.
Q: You mentioned a choice between a dance and a social. What is this all about? A: In years past, we have found that some ambassadors may not be comfortable in the social "dance" situation. This year we are offering you a choice between attending the dance, or attending a social with snacks and soft drinks provided. Please mark your choice on the form provided [in your registration packet]. Because we must know the number attending each in advance, once you submit this choice, you will be held to it. You will not be able to attend both.
Q: How are rooms assigned?
A: Roommates are assigned randomly so that participants will have a greater chance of meeting new people. Girls will stay in New South Hall; boys will stay in Ezell Hall. Adult chaperones are housed in the residence halls as well.
Q: You mentioned a talent show. What is that all about? A: A talent show will take place Saturday night. If you would like to participate, we encourage you to bring whatever you feel you'll need. There is usually a fairly good mix of solo and group efforts, and everyone is a winner.
Q: What are the accommodations like? A: Meetings will be held at Millsaps College in the Academic Complex Recital Hall. For sleeping, participants will be assigned to New South or Ezell dorms with 2 participants to a room. Everyone will receive nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Please eat breakfast before you arrive on Friday.
You must bring your own linens, pillows, towels, and personal hygiene items. THESE WILL NOT BE PROVIDED BY THE COLLEGE.
The seminar will be chaperoned by qualified adult male and female group leaders who will be staying at the facility 24-hours-a-day.
Q: What should I wear at the seminar? A: Dress is casual throughout the weekend. Anything you would wear to school is fine, but we'll let you wear "tasteful" shorts. Keep in mind that you will be meeting the speakers, who are professional people in their respective occupations. On Saturday, you will be asked to wear the HOBY T-shirt we will give you upon arrival. The shirts will be white, and will also be what you wear when we leave campus for the community service projects. Dress for Sunday is "dress-up". That means dresses or nice pants outfits for girls. Guys, you don't have to wear a tie, but we ask that you not wear jeans.
Q: What about religious services? A: Services such as Mass will be available for students with prior notification; there will also be a non-denominational service in the schedule on Sunday morning.
Q: When will the program conclude? A: The seminar will conclude following the last event on Sunday afternoon, June 6 around 2:00. The seminar staff will transport participants to the airport, train station, or bus terminal, if necessary. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend the Financial Aid workshop and the closing ceremonies. The cost for the reception is $20.00 per person. [this means guests; ambassadors attend at no cost to themselves]
We will also have a photographer on hand Sunday. If you would like to purchase seminar and group pictures, please bring some extra money with you (approx. $20 for 2 8 x 10's).
Q: What transportation arrangements have been made? A: The only cost NOT provided for is transportation to Jackson. Each participant is responsible for getting to the Mississippi Seminar and returning home. If you are arriving in Jackson via air, train, or bus, please indicate the details on the travel itinerary form. The seminar staff will see that you are met and transported safely to the facility. Should you have any problems en route or upon arrival at the terminal, please call 601-955-0790 and ask for specific instructions to reach a HOBY representative.
Q: Who pays for the Leadership Seminar? A: All costs except travel expenses have been paid by sponsors throughout Mississippi, that is, businesses, foundations, individuals, and service organizations wishing to support leadership education.
Q: What if I am unable to attend the seminar? A: If circumstances arise that prevent you from attending the seminar, we would like to give another student the opportunity to attend. Please return the form to the person at your school who selected you, and follow up with a call so we may adjust our records.
