We celebrate eight seniors in our annual tribute to student
accomplishments.
Michael Leininger, 18
College: San Jose State University
Schools: Rod Kelley ES, South Valley MS
College Positive: “The social aspect. I can’t wait to meet new people.”
College Negative: “I’m most nervous about the classes themselves and really understanding the subject matter.”
Will Miss: “Definitely the unity of all the students. We’re really tight. We all went to South Valley or Brownell so we mesh really well.”
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Michael Leininger takes on leadership roles like it’s his job. Between clocking in countless hours as the editor-in-chief of the Gilroy High School Free Press and sweating through drills as captain of the varsity volleyball team, he finds time to maintain a stellar 4.0 GPA. This fall, he plans to begin chipping away at a degree in broadcast journalism.
“I like taking positions of leadership,” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “You have to be at the top or you’re invisible.”
With five other siblings to contend with, Leininger learned to make himself seen and heard at an early age: “My parents taught me to be self-driven,” he said, explaining what keeps him going. “I want to be successful.”
Ethan Ogle, 17
College: Mission College
Schools: Luigi Aprea ES, South Valley MS
College Positive: “I’m psyched about being in a new atmosphere and meeting new people. It’ll be difficult but rewarding.”
College Negative: “Between working, volunteering, school and my girlfriend, it’ll be tough to maintain.”
Will Miss: “Sports. Being able to always know where to find all my friends. Staying in touch.”
If Ethan Ogle learned anything as a kid, it was to treat others as you would want to be treated. A well-built football player, wrestler and runner these days, he’s not the typical superjock who picks on the underdog.
“I used to be the nerdy, Peter Parker type,” he said. “I definitely have compassion. I see both sides of the coin now.”
His compassion for others extends beyond social circles. Already a volunteer for the fire department, he plans to be a full-fledged firefighter one day. Despite the long hours and trying conditions, he’s ready for the challenge, having learned discipline and teamwork through sports. When running track, “I’m just out there to have fun,” he said. But wrestling’s a different story. He took second place at the Central Coast Section wrestling championships in the 160-pound weight class this year.
“Being on that team you have to meet a lot of high expectations,” he said.
