Thomas Jacoby, a tenth grader at Long Beach High School, has been recognized as one of 8,500 nationwide winners of the 2025 HOBY ambassadorship. The Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation (HOBY) designates the annual award to sophomores who demonstrate key values and principles within the community and outside the classroom.
HOBY, created in 1958 by actor and Rochester, NY-native Hugh O’Brian, celebrates volunteerism, integrity, excellence, diversity, and community partnership. The foundation allows school faculty or community members to nominate a tenth grade student they feel best embodies community service, good character, and leadership.
Jacoby’s next step as a HOBY ambassador is to attend a three-day seminar in June of 2026 at SUNY Albany. Under the guidance of HOBY leadership and volunteer alumni of the program, attendees will learn additional ways to hone their already sharp sense of service by participating in self-improvement activities, hearing keynote speakers, and further developing their leadership skills.
The annual tradition concludes with each seminar attendee being asked to commit to performing 100 dedicated hours of volunteer service work in the coming year.
