Olivia Bates is an exceptional multitalented high school student.
She can discuss economics, the arts and humanities, converse in Spanish, play competitive volleyball, shoot news photos, perform in musical theater, and play jazz and classical piano.
The Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table is honoring Bates as the Scholar Athlete of the Year from Providence School.
She was recognized by award sponsor Marc Gamberdella and Providence Athletic Director Steve Stokes in a virtual ceremony.
“Olivia is a bit of a Renaissance woman,” Gamberdella said in reference to the senior’s many talents.
As a student athlete, Bates is a three-year varsity volleyball player. She received all-league honorable mention honors as a junior and was named team captain this season.
She is a standout in the classroom, carrying a 4.76 grade point average with a class load that includes Advanced Placement courses in government/economics, Spanish, English literature and chemistry as well as statistics, Christian theism and comparative world views, and photojournalism.
In addition, Bates is a member of the Libertas Scholars Program, which allows students to pursue a deeper course of study in the liberal arts. The program has allowed her to attend nationwide economics conferences, engage in Socratic discussions and listen to national government leaders.
Her academic honors include the Foreign Language Award at Providence in her junior year, Head of Schools list all four years of high school and California Scholarship Federation membership for four years.
She tutors junior and senior high school students in math and is a student leader on campus, serving as the ASB president.
“Clearly, she is a committed and engaged student,” Gamberdella said.
Stokes said he has been impressed with Bates from the moment she arrived at Providence.
“Olivia has been a total joy to have on campus,” he said. “Everything that she does she brings a positive attitude. And that positive energy is contagious, not only in our athletic program but as a leader, giving her service to the community.
“To watch her thrive in academics and athletics and leadership, she’s wise beyond her years.”
Bates’ community activities include serving as a volunteer for the homeless ministry and as a counselor for children’s sports and track camps.
The daughter of Mark and Colleen Hurley-Bates plans to attend a college on the West Coast and pursue a major in business administration.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
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