Claire Kim – Federal Way

Claire is a dedicated civic leader and scholar with a strong commitment to community engagement and equity. As chair of the Federal Way Youth Commission, she led initiatives addressing mental health, public safety, and access to opportunity. She also co-founded a free algebra support program for underserved students and helped launch district-wide campaigns to improve math proficiency.

At school, Claire served as ASB President and DECA Chapter President, organizing major events and leading peers to state-level competitions. She was selected as a University of Washington Lead Forward Summit Scholar and participated in The Knowledge Society’s global innovation program, exploring artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology alongside industry professionals. As a varsity tennis player, she earned the Academic Student Athlete Award two consecutive years.

Claire is headed to Stanford University, where she plans to study finance and public policy. She aims to build a career in strategy consulting and corporate development.

Elijah Sta Ana – Lakewood

Elijah has demonstrated exceptional civic leadership through roles including Chair of the Lakewood Youth Council, Youth Event Coordinator for the Filipino American National Historical Society, Lead Youth Liaison for Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board, and Peacebuilding Delegate at the World Affairs Seminar. He has also volunteered at St. Clare Hospital and mentored students through his local middle school’s Filipino Club.

As a student, Elijah balanced rigorous academics with leadership and athletics. He was rewarded with honors including the Principal’s List, National Honor Society, and the “Heart of the Pack” leadership award as captain of his school’s varsity tennis team.

Driven by a passion for biomedical engineering and inspired by personal family experiences with genetic diseases, Elijah plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering and, eventually, a doctorate in genetics. He is headed to the University of Washington in the fall.

Finlay Weston – Okanogan

As valedictorian and senior class president, Finlay has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a deep commitment to leadership and service. An Eagle Scout and Youth Course Lead for the Scouting America National Youth Leadership Training program, he has sought opportunities to serve his community, including as a city lifeguard and swim coach.

Finlay’s dedication to leadership extends to school activities. He captained the Knowledge Bowl team and varsity cross country team, competed on the varsity soccer team, and earned recognition as a two-time regional champion in FBLA.

Looking ahead, Finlay plans to attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, to study aerospace engineering. His goal is to become an aeronautical engineer designing advanced propulsion and aerodynamic systems.

Laila Sundin – Sequim

Laila excelled both academically and in service to her community throughout high school. She demonstrated her commitment to civic engagement as a Sequim City Council Youth Liaison and student representative to the Sequim Education Foundation. She also volunteered at the Sequim Food Bank and local library.

In school, Laila served as Student Body President, Interact Club Treasurer, Mock Trial Team Captain, and Knowledge Bowl Team Captain. She graduated with multiple honors, including class Valedictorian and AP Scholar with Distinction.

Laila’s passion for environmental education and preservation led her to work as a student educator at NatureBridge and the Dungeness River Nature Center. She is heading to the University of Chicago, where she will study political science and biology with the ultimate goal of becoming an environmental lawyer.