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NOVA Community Stories

Owen Timms '15

A freshman at George Washington University, Owen is on the varsity sailing team and qualified for the 2019 Middle Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association Singlehanded Championship. Learn more about Owen's sailing success at bit.ly/owentimms.

How long have you been sailing?
I have been sailing for all my life, but started racing when I was 11.

Why did you choose to go to George Washington?
I really loved D.C. when I visited and George Washington had a great combination of academics and athletics. I am a varsity athlete at the school, so I get a lot of great benefits.

What's your major?
Biology, but I am in the process of switching to Public Health. I am not totally set on a career, but Public Health will give me lots of opportunities.

What's a favorite memory from NOVA?
The 8th grade trip. It was a great way to end the whole experience.

How do you think your NOVA experience prepared you for life after middle school?
NOVA was a great preparation for high school and college, not only academically, but it really changed me as a person. I was able to grow and become who I am today because of the welcoming community at NOVA.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to get into sailing?
I recommend taking a sailing camp at the Olympia Yacht Club, where I work in the summer. If you enjoy it, there is an easy system for you to eventually join the team if you want to!

Alumni Spotlight

Sarah Joy (Cundiff) White 2008

NOVA was really a key place for me at a pivotal time in life.

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Matthew Rosen 2012

NOVA taught me to think critically, to be curious, and to love learning.

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Laurel (Olfson-Manning) Schimelfenig 2007

NOVA was a safe place where I knew the staff, teachers, and fellow peers were there to support and guide me.

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