Brea Olinda High School’s Lauren Ko is the next young leader to join Brea Olinda Unified School District’s Board of Education as she assumes the role of student board member for the 2024-25 school year. Lauren was formally introduced at the May 23 Board of Education meeting but took her official oath of office during the regular meeting on Aug. 22.
Lauren Ko is an enthusiastic and dynamic leader who, on campus, serves as the captain of the Mock Trial team, editor-in-chief of the Wildcat Newspaper, producer of the annual TEDxBrea event, co-president of the BOHS Red Cross Chapter, president of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Society, senior class treasurer, and member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she serves as the chair of the Orange County Red Cross Youth Advisory Council.
An aspiring lawyer or diplomat, Lauren represents the Pacific Division as a delegate of the International Humanitarian Law Youth Action Campaign and engages with leaders from throughout the globe. These roles have helped Lauren develop her public speaking skills, fuel her passion for community service, and ignite an even deeper passion for law and civic engagement.
Among many other accolades, Lauren has also been awarded the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award and Mayor’s Award having accumulated over 400 hours during her first three years of high school, was selected to receive a Regional Volunteer Recognition Award from the American Red Cross for service contributions in 2023, and was chosen as a delegate to attend the American Legion California Boys and Girls State Program in Sacramento, as well as the Charles B. Runnels Youth Citizenship Seminar during the summer of 2024.
By serving as the next student board member, Lauren hopes to use her voice as a channel to highlight the district’s achievements, serve as a communications liaison for the district’s young learners, and help drive the district’s mission and vision so that every student can feel empowered and thrive in their academic pursuits.