In a celebration of integrity, leadership, and service, JSerra seniors Foster Andersen and Mary O’Hara have been recognized as Athletes of Character by the Orange County Athletic Directors Association (OCADA). The prestigious award, given to students who exemplify strong moral character and a commitment to their school and community, was presented at a special ceremony in late January at Servite High School in Anaheim.

For Andersen and O’Hara, athletics is just one aspect of their remarkable high school careers. Andersen, a dedicated member of the JSerra Wrestling team, and O’Hara, a standout athlete on both the JSerra Girls Water Polo and Lacrosse teams, have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their teammates and their sports. However, what sets them apart is not only their athletic excellence but also their deep-rooted commitment to service and leadership.

Both student-athletes are part of JSerra’s Humanities Program, a rigorous academic track designed to cultivate intellectual curiosity and a deeper understanding of the human experience. In addition, they are both active members of Caritas Christi, a service organization dedicated to instilling faith, compassion, and servant leadership in JSerra students.

Beyond the classroom and competition, Andersen and O’Hara have used their time and talents to positively impact both JSerra and the broader Orange County community. Their volunteer efforts reflect the virtues of perseverance, humility, and generosity—characteristics that truly define what it means to be a student-athlete of character.

The ceremony brought together top student-athletes from across the county, highlighting the importance of integrity and service in high school sports. As they prepare for their next steps beyond JSerra, Andersen and O’Hara leave a lasting legacy of hard work, selflessness, and virtue-driven leadership.

Congratulations to Foster Andersen and Mary O’Hara on this well-deserved honor!