Morgan Hill
– Brittany Bach was a little startled when summoned to the
principal’s office recently, especially since it was the first time
the Live Oak senior had been called to see him.
Morgan Hill – Brittany Bach was a little startled when summoned to the principal’s office recently, especially since it was the first time the Live Oak senior had been called to see him.
So when she arrived fearing discipline, it was a relief to receive praise – learning she’d been selected as the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s Student of the Year.
“I was very surprised,” Bach said. “I was scared at first because I didn’t know what I had done.”
What she has done according to members of the chamber’s selection committee is impressive – from involvement in a number of local organizations and helping create Morgan Hill Youth Empowered for Success to serving on the South County Democratic Club as the youth issues chair and holding down a 4.0 GPA.
“(She) has been working tirelessly since she was 12 to make things better for kids in our community,” read the Chamber nomination.
Bach has spent most of her life helping other people as much as she can.
“I think it helps if you enjoy what you are doing,” Bach said. “If you find something that you enjoy, something that touches you and something you have a passion for that is rare. I think it is very important to help other people. If you have a gift it, you should use it. I live in the world and I am just trying to make it a better place. I think it should be the best it can be. Every little bit helps.”
Bach may have received some good genes to do just that. Although she hasn’t officially confirmed it, she did a Web search on a genealogy site that showed she was related to composer Johann Sebastian Bach.
Her cell phone even plays one of his masterpieces as a busy signal, even though she didn’t program it to.
“My boyfriend called once and said that I had this annoying song on my phone,” Bach said. “I never knew it was on the phone. It’s actually one of my favorite songs. I like all music except country and songs by people like Marilyn Manson. That creeps me out.”
Even with her busy schedule, she still makes time to spend with her family, friends and boyfriend, who she met through her cousins. Once a month she travels to Virginia to see him or he travels here to see her.
Many of the classes Bach is currently taking in school are AP and honors courses. She said she doesn’t have any plans for college yet, but said she would like to go to law school.
“Right now I’m just trying to get through physics and math,” Bach said. “Its been pretty rough and stressful. The classes are challenging. I just keep on going. I don’t think about stress and I try to balance my time.”
One thing that makes it easier for Bach is having a study session after school where she helps other students while getting most of her work done.
She’s been involved with both community and government activities. Aside from being a member of the South County Democratic Club, she also worked as in an intern for Assemblyman Simón Salinas.
She was part of the Morgan Hill Youth Advisory Committee and helped with presenting of awards and scholarships, among many other things.
One of the highlights of the year was helping with the youth awards night by giving the opening speech.
“It was really great to see all kids there and everyone honoring them,” Bach said. “It was really fun to be part of it and see them honored by the local legislature.”
