Future Leaders: Joel Barlow Student 'Leads With Heart, Strategy'

EASTON, CT — A Joel Barlow High School student was recently awarded for her involvement in the school's Future Business Leaders of America Club.

Patch and T-Mobile are teaming up to showcase future leaders in Connecticut and across the nation.

According to Mario Almeida, the school's assistant superintendent and head of school, three students and the school's business teacher, Jose Gutierrez, recently achieved a third place finish out of twelve teams in the "Introduction to Social Media Strategy" category of their very first state competition.

The competition was hosted by Southern Connecticut State University's School of Business and included over 300 students, according to Almeida.

The following future leader information was obtained by Patch from Joel Barlow High School:

Name: Grace Olsen

Age: 16

Class: Sophomore

Hometown: Easton

Leadership qualities, position of leadership:

Grace is the head of fundraising, a role that highlights her strengths as a leader. She leads with empathy, always considering the needs and feelings of others, which makes her approachable and easy to work with. Her optimism brings a positive energy to the team, especially during high-pressure moments, and her confidence allows her to take initiative and make decisions with clarity.

Future goals:

Grace plans to attend business school, where she hopes to build a strong foundation in finance and risk management. She is particularly interested in pursuing a career as an insurance underwriter, a role that combines her attention to detail, analytical thinking, and interest in helping others make smart, informed decisions.

In what ways does this student stand out among their talented peers?

Grace stands out for her ability to lead with both heart and strategy. While many students are capable, Grace combines emotional intelligence with a sharp, business-focused mindset. She’s the kind of person who can connect with anyone, motivate a team, and keep things organized all at once. Her empathy makes people feel heard, while her confidence and communication skills drive results.

Quote from student on what it takes to be a great leader:

"If you don’t show your passion, no one will follow."