By Emily Youngblood

On Jan. 15, Oak Hall’s Upper School Black Student Union (BSU) invited University of Florida track and field head coach Mike Holloway to speak to its students about his life experiences. Not only is Holloway an accomplished collegiate coach, but he is also the head coach of Team USA’s track and field team at the upcoming summer Olympics in Tokyo. “Because Coach Holloway coaches freshmen, we thought it would be good for him to speak about the balance a student-athlete has to have to succeed both academically and athletically,” said BSU President and Oak Hall senior, Adryanna Jerkins.

After being introduced by his son, Oak Hall Alum M.J. Holloway (class of 2019), Coach Holloway spoke to students about how to achieve life aspirations using his four P’s: pride, passion, preparation, and people. The UF head coach believes that you need to take pride in everything you do, be passionate about what you care about, prepare for the future, and surround yourself with positive people.

“You can be successful in this world if you decide to make the right choices,” he said. His piece of advice for students was to “set a goal and fight tirelessly every day to obtain it”.

“Hopefully the input provided by our guest speakers will inspire, inform, allay fears, and provide hope,” exclaimed BSU teacher sponsor, Sherolyn Spencer.

The BSU has also confirmed Commissioner Gail Johnson to speak during an assembly on Feb. 13 for Black History Month. The assembly will be open to Middle and Upper school students during FLEX period.