“They’re two of our highest academic achieving students…they truly understand what it takes to be successful.”
That’s how Upper Campus Head of School Craig Floyd described sophomores Jocelyn Gonzalez and Ethan Gao, who have been selected by the faculty to represent the school in the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership program.
For the past several years, OVS has had the opportunity to send two sophomores to the leadership program, known as HOBY. The four-day program, held at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, helps students grow and learn to demonstrate leadership inside and outside of the classroom.
“I think it’s going to be a great experience,” said Jocelyn, a top student and all-around contributor at both the Upper and Lower campuses of Ojai Valley School. “[I think] I’ll grow as a person and I’ll learn how to better improve my leadership skills.”
Jocelyn is a student leader at OVS this year and is excited to be able to add to her leadership abilities in the next few years. Having been picked for this opportunity, it’s apparent that she already is a strong leader, but she’s excited to grow even more in this area.
Jocelyn said she has never been to any sleepaway camps, so she is nervous about going away for a couple of nights. But, other than that, she is excited. She said she also is excited to be able to spend part of the summer growing with Ethan, who is one of her best friends.
Both Jocelyn and Ethan had never heard of the program before College Counselor Fred Alvarez told them they had been selected to attend. Although they did not know what the program was, the surprise of being chosen made them that much more excited and grateful.
Ethan and Jocelyn’s parents are both very proud and excited that their kids were chosen for HOBY. Melanie Hall-Mounsey, Jocelyn’s mother, is extremely proud of her daughter’s nomination and excited for the summer ahead.
“I feel she’s worked hard and, and kind of earned it,” Ms. Hall-Mounsey said. “I’m really looking forward to learning more about the program and supporting Jocy growing.”