Olivia Warner: All-Star sparkles

This week’s Valley Sun All Star, Olivia Warner, considers herself a “normal, average girl who likes to hang out with friends and try and do new things.”

However, those who know the Flintridge Sacred Heart sophomore contend she’s got a lot of sparkle, spirit and enthusiasm that sets her apart in a crowd.

“Olivia is a lot of fun and she adds a lot to whatever she does,” said Cathy Spindle, Ticktocker assignment chair for the National Charity League, of which Warner is an active member.

Spindle has known Warner since the youth was in kindergarten and she describes Warner as athletic, smart, artistic, helpful, and a great organizer. “She’s friendly to everyone and she’s a good person,” Spindle said.

Warner is the daughter of Brett and Cris Warner of La Cañada. She has two older brothers, Josh, 18, a freshman at Pasadena City College and Hunter, 17, a senior at St. Francis High School.

The family has lived in La Cañada all of Olivia Warner’s life. She attended Paradise Canyon Elementary School and La Cañada High School 7/8 before transferring to Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy for her freshman year.

Attending an all girls’ school is a lot of fun, the 15-year-old Warner said. “It’s all about learning about yourself,” she said, adding, “You don’t have anyone to impress so you don’t have to worry about what you’re wearing and you can laugh and be yourself.”

One thing Warner said she’s learned about herself while at the school is that she loves to dance and is enjoying a contemporary dance class at the school.

In addition to her work with the National Charity League, for the past three years, Warner has helped out on the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses parade float.

Up until the eighth grade, she played baseball with the La Cañada Community League and currently plays basketball at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy.

She spends much of her free time with her friends, doing homework, or riding her jumping horse, named “Bella/I’m All Ears.”

Warner and her family are members of Flintridge Riding Club.

Heidi Misrahy, Olivia Warner’s trainer at Flintridge Riding Club, said she has enjoyed working with Warner for the past seven years. “Olivia is a great motivator. She sets a good example for everyone and is very dedicated and hardworking,” Misrahy said, adding that Warner also has a less serious side. “She’s a lot of fun,” Misrahy said. “And, she’s a great kid to have around.”

If you’d like to nominate an exceptional young person who lives in La Cañada or is a student here to be a Valley Sun All Star, e-mail us at lnews@valleysun.net.