Gabi Tinoco is spending the spring semester in Washington D.C. learning from organization, political leaders
By Jen Clancey STAFF WRITER
On the second floor of the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery, 15-year-old Gabi Tinoco paused. More than 2,000 miles away from his hometown in Big Sky, the former Lone Peak High School ninth grader felt a sense of accomplishment reading the words on a lit-up sculpture: “This present moment used to be the unimaginable future.”
Tinoco is attending a semester-long program at The School for Ethics and Global Leadership in Washington D.C. In a cohort of 11th graders, Tinoco is the youngest to ever be admitted to the school and is learning history, languages, science, math and ethics and leadership in the rigorous academic program. Along the way, SEGL students meet social and political leaders, and observe governmental processes in the nation’s capital.
Even in math and science classes, the program emphasizes discussion-based learning. Tinoco said it’s been helpful to learn through collaboration and conversation. Despite being the youngest in the D.C. crew, Tinoco said the environment is welcoming.
“I felt like I connected so easily with everyone because everyone goes in with the expectation that your opinions and your views are gonna be challenged,” Tinoco told EBS in a Zoom call.
Having arrived in D.C. on Jan. 31, the first time since his visit with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation in 2024, Tinoco said the program doesn’t shy away from incorporating current events in their curriculum.
“I think the school does a really good job of integrating that into the classroom, like with all of the things going on,” Tinoco said. In their U.S. history class, students read President Donald Trump’s second inaugural address. Other lessons included speech-writing practice with Hillary Clinton’s former speech writer Lissa Muscatine and learning from Carl Wilkens, head of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency International in Rwanda.
“Another thing about having the guest speakers is you learn how to … present yourself and how to feel comfortable in that environment,” Tinoco said.
The program is “demystifying” government processes, Tinoco told EBS, and the cohort has been to several Senate hearings on topics ranging from foreign policy to budget discussions.
“I think that was really interesting to see that you can create change in multiple ways,” Tinoco said. He appreciates seeing the different forms of problem-solving outside of his favorite courses in math and science. Outside of the classroom, Tinoco enjoys the environment of constant learning. Some nights a friend passionate about math will share brain teasers, and some nights Tinoco guides his friends through creating origami.
Big Sky resident Barbara Rowley mentored Tinoco through applications to the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, the SEGL program and to Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, which Tinoco will attend come fall.
Tinoco recommended students look into learning opportunities like the ones at SEGL. “As long as you’re motivated, there are so many support networks, and teachers are always so happy to come and help you,” Tinoco said. He also noted that students are happy to help their peers reach their goals.
Even though academics in these programs are rigorous, Tinoco urged students not to second guess themselves. “Be confident that you’re gonna be able to thrive in this environment.”
As Tinoco faces changes—spending a semester far from Big Sky and preparing for boarding school in the fall—the Renwick gallery piece flickering in pink stuck with him.
“Sometimes I get convoluted in what I’m doing and then I have that reminder of like, ‘okay, this was kind of something that you were dreaming of before and that’s something you’re accomplishing right now.’”
