Each September, the National Association of Secondary School Principals sends nomination materials to all public and private high schools in the United States.

“Each school in Virginia is given the opportunity to select an outstanding sophomore based on his or her leadership potential,” Kenston Forest School (KFS) officials said. “That sophomore represents his or her high school at the Virginia HOBY Leadership Seminar the following spring. Juniela Perez, KFS rising junior, was chosen to attend the HOBY Seminar this summer. The students participate in activities centered around the core values of HOBY: volunteerism, integrity, excellence, diversity and community partnership.”

Juniela is the daughter of Dierdre Ramirez of Kenbridge.

Kara Edmonds, a KFS rising senior, who attended last year, applied and was chosen to participate as a junior staff member of HOBY this year.

“Junior staff help the seminar run smoothly by greeting ambassadors at the seminar … and maintaining the seminar’s positive energy throughout weekend. Kara is the daughter of James and Kim Edmonds of Blackstone.”