Castro Valley Teen Selected For Honor

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — Castro Valley teen Olivia Brooke Sally has been chosen as the first alternate to represent California in the 58th annual United States Senate Youth Program. Teens are selected for this highly competitive program for their remarkable leadership qualities, scholastic achievement, and strong commitment to their schools and communities.

Two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity each receive a $10,000 scholarship and attend a one-week all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 7–14, 2020.

This year's two winners are Violet Wang of Petaluma, a senior at Casa Grande High School in Petaluma City Schools, and Arushi Avachat of Pleasanton, a senior at Foothill High School in the Pleasanton Unified School District. A second alternate was also chosen, Nathan Viotti of Menlo Park, a senior at Menlo-Atherton High School in the Sequoia Union High School District.

“These students have demonstrated exceptional leadership. I am impressed and inspired by what they have already accomplished in their young lives,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said. “They have a strong passion for public service and activism and desire to make a difference in the lives of others. I am confident that they will make the most of this opportunity, continuing to make positive contributions, and be excellent representatives for California.”

The state provided this impressive bio of Castro Valley's Sally:

"Olivia Brooke Sally is a senior at Bishop O’ Dowd High School in Oakland and is a student council representative and student body philanthropy chair. She is the president and founder of Dragon Democracy, the largest club of O’Dowd’s history, representing 38% of the student body. She is match captain of the Varsity Women’s Rugby Team and viola chair in the string orchestra. A National Merit Commended Scholar, she volunteers as a special needs elementary music teacher as well as interned on various local, statewide, congressional, and presidential campaigns. Olivia hopes to double major in public policy and political science followed by either a law degree or masters in public policy. After that, she wants to serve her home state of California and contribute to her greater community."

This program is sponsored by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. High school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply for the program and scholarships.

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