Thursday November 12th, Santiago’s new Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership winner was revealed.

The Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Organization (HOBY) was founded by motion picture and television star Hugh O’Brien. He founded this organization to empower and motivate individuals to make a positive impact within their society. This prestigious award is a very difficult one to obtain.

Ms. Eula Brown and Casey Dykstra (11), the winner from last year, interviewed 22 sophomores from our school. The reveal had many guest appearances, including Mr. Torres and Mrs. Gonzales, and the rest of the counselors.

Mr. Torres gave a heartfelt speech about how proud the entire staff was for all of the students involved.

After much anticipation, the two alternates and the winner were revealed. James “Geno” Souder (11) was awarded the second alternate, Leann Le (11) was the first alternate, and Marcos Milla (11) was the winner and representative. Marcos will represent our school at a leadership conference next June at Chapman University, all expenses paid. I caught up with Marcos after the reveal and this is what he had to say about winning:

“It was a great experience, I knew I came prepared and everyone that participated were all very bright. I want to apply myself to the leadership on what they teach me and the skills. It’s going to be a very exciting experience and I am looking forward to it.”

Congratulations to the winners and all the sophomores that participated.

Sophia Buturoaga
Agnes Gliane
Madison Hamilton
Max Hayama
Sophia Hogue
Tylyn Holliness
Zion Igwe
Iris Kim
Leann Le (First Alternate)
Eve Leung
Victoria Lloyd
Jordan Lopez
Paige Lowell
Jericho Mangalindan
Riley May
Marcos Milla (Representative)
Ashley Park
Danielle Romo
Cristina Sanchez
James “Geno” Souder (Second Alternate)
Landon Stubblefield
Ricardo Vera