Owen Mcniff

Granite Bay High School

Tell us about yourself.

I am involved in Student Government, sports and various clubs around campus. I enjoy working in a team environment, being a leader at school and making it a welcoming environment for students to attend. I ran cross-country for two years and played lacrosse for four years. Two of the clubs at school I’m a part of are the Parkour Club and the Slacklining Club. Outside of school, I work at Tricks Gymnastics teaching children how to do Parkour-based gymnastics; working with the kids is great and makes me feel like I’m making a difference in their lives. I’m also a thrill-seeker and am always looking for things to get my adrenaline pumping!

What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

Being selected as the delegate to represent Granite Bay High School at California Boys State in 2013. I was nominated by the Granite Bay High School staff to be interviewed by a panel from the American Legion. They chose one delegate to represent our school at a weeklong camp where we created a state-level mock government. It was such an amazing opportunity in leadership and friendship—a week I will never forget.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans are to go to college and play lacrosse. At this time, I have been accepted to a few colleges but haven’t made a final decision. I’m interested in working with people, so my focus of study is going to be psychology. I really enjoy the presence of others and being a leader, and helping people gives me a sense of accomplishment. I’m looking forward to getting involved in leadership at college. As for lacrosse, I’m looking to walk on to a team or play at the club level. I would also like to do a semester abroad; I love traveling and discovering new cultures and people.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I’d probably go to Ireland. My family has Irish heritage on both sides and I still have some family living in Ireland. I’ve always wanted to go there.