Irmo High School International School for the Arts rising junior and current Student Body Vice President Kaya Brunson recently participated in the 2026 South Carolina Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Seminar held at Presbyterian College in Clinton, from May 30 – June 1.
The HOBY Leadership Seminar brings together high school sophomores from across South Carolina for a leadership development experience. Students engage with HOBY volunteers and industry leaders from fields including education, medicine, government, business, and nonprofit service. The seminar is designed to help participants develop their leadership skills and learn how to apply them as effective, ethical leaders in their schools, communities, and future careers.
“Kaya was selected to represent Irmo High School because of her already impressive commitment to Irmo High School and our community as a student leader,” said Eric Coleman, advisor of Irmo’s Student Council.
Reflecting on her experience, Brunson said, “My time as a HOBY Ambassador helped grow my view of leadership. I was able to revisit my understanding of my leadership style and how that can affect my communication and service in my community. One of my favorite experiences was building my networking skills while creating great memories with leaders from around the state. I am excited to continue my leadership development by going to the 2026 World Leadership Congress conference next month.”
As a result of her participation, Brunson was selected through a nomination and interview process to receive a scholarship to attend the 2026 HOBY World Leadership Congress (WLC) in Washington, D.C., this July. She was the only student selected from the 2026 SC HOBY conference to receive the award.
The World Leadership Congress will bring together more than 300 student leaders from across the United States and dozens of countries for eight days of advanced leadership development designed to empower students to become more confident, caring leaders, and active global citizens.
