During the application process for Homecoming Princess, candidates are judged on criteria that includes community service, leadership, and participation in activities both on and off the BOHS campus.

It was fitting, then, that Brielle Denbo (’25) was named 2024 Homecoming Queen during halftime of the varsity football game on Oct. 4.

From firing up the Den on game days, planning themes for student sections as Orange County Student Section (OCSS) president, helping freshmen feel welcome as Link Crew president, and competing with the inaugural varsity girls’ flag football team are just a few ways Brielle is involved in the BOHS community.

Brielle, a fourth-generation Wildcat, inherited her passion for community service and school spirit from her family — parents Adam and Christine (’94), and siblings Bri (’17), Brock (‘19), Brylee (’21), and Brynn (‘23). 

Brielle’s mother, Christine, inspires Brielle’s passion for community engagement. For example, Christine pioneered the Brea Strong non-profit organization and is a frequent presence at community events around Brea.    

“Having lived in Brea my entire life, like many of the multi-generational families at BOHS, I know firsthand how special this community is,” Christine said. “I feel incredibly blessed that my kids got to experience growing up [in Brea] too.”

“My mom showed me the importance of community from a young age by helping those around me,” Brielle said. “She is very selfless and continues to give her time to all activities throughout Brea.”

Brielle, who has been a member of ASB since ninth grade and currently holds the position of Pep Commissioner, isn’t the first of the Denbo children to make an impact at BOHS. Her sisters, Bri, Brylee, and Brynn all held ASB positions.

“Being part of the community and giving back has always been a priority, and as our kids were growing up, volunteering and investing time in our schools, sports, booster clubs, and neighborhood became a family affair,” Christine said. ”One of the best things about having a big family is that we make an amazing team. It’s never just ‘mom doing this’ — we’re all in, all hands on deck, with everyone having their own responsibilities.”

For Brielle’s mother, seeing her daughter create memories for both herself and other students through campus leadership is especially rewarding. 

In her role as Pep Commissioner, Denbo is responsible for the colorful posters (over 100 for each football game), unique Den themes, student chants, and spirited celebrations for touchdowns.

For Denbo, the work (including the many hours of clean-up) pays off. 

“There’s nothing like watching my friends win on the field, watching everyone cheer, planning themes, and overall being involved with the community,” Brielle said. 

Pam Valenti, ASB advisor, and girls’ athletics director, has known the Denbo family for many years. “Even when she was little, Brielle was organized, full of energy, and fearless. Standing up with a mic in front of thousands of high schoolers takes bravery.”

When choosing commissioners, Valenti seeks candidates with particular traits as different roles require specific qualities.  Brielle — outgoing, energetic, an effective communicator, and a tireless worker — was a perfect fit for Pep Commissioner.

Valenti recognized Brielle’s potential early. 

“When Brielle was a freshman, I put her in charge of keeping people off the track during a fire drill, which takes a lot of courage, but I never doubted her abilities since she is so full of energy,” Valenti said.

That energetic leadership and confident command extends beyond the ASB room, the gym, and Wildcat Stadium. Brielle is also president of Orange County Student Sections (OCSS), a student-run social media project that promotes school spirit, sportsmanship, and unity through high school sporting events and student sections. 

Brielle’s work for the project is featured on the OCSS Instagram account, which includes a themed “Challenge of the Week,” post-game voting for the best student sections, and a season-capping award for the winner of the “The Battle of OC.” 

“I wanted to be a part of OCSS because it’s a great way to get involved in the community and create unity through doing what I love: spreading school spirit,” Brielle said.

Closer to home, Brielle applies her positivity and peer leadership to Link Crew as the organization’s president.

The purpose of Link Crew is to foster school spirit in freshmen and to create bonds between lower and upperclassmen through activities, support, and recognition. 

When asked what makes Brielle the ideal candidate for Link Crew leadership, Kara Dietz, Link Crew advisor, said, “Brielle is inclusive, positive, energetic, welcoming, and so caring; she just wants to see others happy.”

No matter where she is — whether leading pep rallies, under the Friday night lights of Wildcat Stadium, or performing community service in the city she loves — Brielle aims to better her community, instill pride in its citizens, and get the most out of her final year as a Wildcat. 

“High school is only four years of your life, so you have to cherish it while you can or you’ll regret it,” said Brielle. 

“In our family, win or lose, it’s always ‘GO BREA!’” Christine said. “Brielle has really embraced that spirit. She’s a fun, outgoing kid, and finding ways to get involved at school that highlight her school spirit and bring people together has been a natural fit for her.”