Sunnyvale high school student signs NCAA letter of intent

Net worth

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley held its first-ever NCAA signing day ceremony Feb. 4, when senior tennis standout Michelle Ge signed her letter of intent to continue her athletic career at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“This moment means so much to me,” said Ge. “MIT represents everything I’ve worked toward … excellence in the classroom and on the court.”
Ranked in the Top 200 nationally for the class of 2026, Ge rose to as high as 55th. She racked up a record of 130-55 during high school and helped lead the Sunnyvale private high school’s tennis program to an undefeated season.

“This milestone reflects Michelle’s dedication and talent not only on the tennis court but also her ability to thrive within the academic rigor that defines BASIS Independent Silicon Valley,” said Head of School Sara Kolb in a release.

Fruits of his labor

Charlie Olson, the longtime operator of Sunnyvale’s Heritage Orchard, recently announced his retirement. Olson is a third-generation farmer in Sunnyvale who has cared for the 10-acre apricot orchard at the community Center under contract with the city since 1977. He plans to step down in mid-April.

City staff is evaluating options for managing the orchard, including working with existing staff. The city said there are no changes planned to the orchard at this time and no impacts to its existing footprint in the near term, adding that any future plans will include public input opportunities.

Last year Sunnyvale got underway with the Orchard Heritage Park Study, which includes exploring ways to operate and maintain the orchard long term. Staff is scheduled to present study findings to the Parks and Recreation Commission on March 11 and to the City Council on April 7.

For more information, email pubworks@sunnyvale.ca.gov or visit https://bit.ly/4r2bnaZ