Senior Shoutouts-Olivia Esch

This Senior Shoutout is special for a number of reasons. First, it is the 100th entry in our Class of 2020 Project. Second, it is for a student in Minnesota being honored by her father, here in Charlotte. Third, and most importantly, it is for the student herself: Olivia Esch.

To say Olivia is an amazingly talented young woman would be an understatement. She has completed her secondary education at Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, and for the last 10 years, she has participated in Circus Juventus.

Circus Juventas is the largest youth circus arts school in the US. The kids attend classes and have opportunity to perform under the “big top,” at the end of the year. In August of each year, the most advanced students put on a performance that is out of this world. The circus acts are along the lines of what you might see with Cirque du Soleil. The things these kids do in the circus are truly amazing. It is an interesting mix of artistry, athleticism and team work.

Over the years she has done many different acts. One that was super interesting is pictured here, where Olivia is swung around like a jump rope and one of her teammates jumps her like you would a jump rope.

Since the Covid-19 Crisis, the circus has been closed, performances canceled, and her “final act” taken away.

Olivia is really, really smart. She is confident. She is talented. She is focused. She is smart and funny. She is strong. She is fearless. Olivia plans to attend Virginia Tech this fall in the to study engineering.

Olivia, you are an oustanding and fascinating young woman.  We stand with your family in honor of all you've achieved and the mark of the world you will surely still make