I first met RJ as a somewhat shy, reserved rising 8th grader while he attended Oak Hill Academy’s summer basketball camp. RJ is a 2013 graduate who spent 5 years on The Hill and the growth I saw in him was phenomenal. 8th graders at Oak Hill are taken care of by the upperclassman and RJ was everyone’s little brother that first year. Through his career at OHA I saw him progress from the shy, but talented, Red Team Varsity player and an under-the-radar, but likeable student in the school building into a student government leader, mentoring upperclassman, who was a major contributor to some of the best Gold Teams in recent years.
RJ is entering his senior year at DePaul University in Chicago – not far from his hometown. He is a pre-law student and has spent his summer interning at a law firm (last check he was targeting the Los Angeles area) with the goal of becoming a sports and entertainment industry lawyer. He balances all of this while playing shooting guard for the Blue Demons.
RJ’s story reflects one of the greatest opportunities attending Oak Hill Academy has to offer: the chance to grow and discover confidence. Our small classes and student body really encourages students to take leadership positions, both formal and informal. Watching RJ grow over those 5 years was truly a highlight of my tenure at Oak Hill Academy.