2025 Featured Graduates
Amaya Brazil
Mountlake Terrace High
Who has inspired or supported you most during your high school journey?
Aside from my parents being my biggest supporters, I have felt most supported and inspired by my sophomore History teacher, Mr. Ellinger. Mr. Ellinger consistently pushed me to be a better student during my time with him. Besides helping me become a better writer, the skills he provided helped me grow my ability to articulate myself clearly. He has continued supporting me in endeavors outside the classroom and constantly reminds me that he is in my corner. His teaching style and connection with students have inspired me to pursue a minor in education.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in school?
My biggest accomplishment is contributing to the growth of our school's Black Student Union. Being able to help foster a safe space for Black students where we can learn, have fun, and express ourselves is a fantastic experience. I am grateful that in my term as president, I have worked with the Mountlake Terrace City Council, collaborated with other clubs and schools for cross-cultural workshops and conferences, and planned fun events such as the multicultural assembly. BSU has given me a lot in return, providing a safe space for me, new friends, and an opportunity to be a more grounded leader. The younger members, especially, have reminded me that not everything has to be so serious.
How has your experience in the ESD prepared you for the future?
Growing up in ESD has provided me with many fundamental tools. Being in a space that isn't as diverse as a person of color definitely had its struggles, but the environment taught me how to advocate for myself and to stand for what I believe in, even if I am standing alone. I also learned the importance of compassion while learning to collaborate and communicate with my peers. Teachers and staff have inspired me to further my passions and reach for the stars. Even participating in certain clubs and sports has taught me patience and how to be a stronger leader.
What are you most excited or hopeful about as you move on from high school?
I'm excited to pursue higher education at the University of Washington and look forward to the new experiences and opportunities it will bring. Aside from learning more about my future majors, I'm also looking forward to the new people I'll meet from different backgrounds and the latest college culture. I hope these experiences will help me grow academically and as a person. I'm also excited about the chance to develop new skills and ultimately leave college with a degree, lasting memories, and tools that will last a lifetime.
Ofelia Matevosyan
Lynnwood High
Who inspired or supported you most during your school journey, and how did they make a difference?
My pre calc math teacher Mr. Ammentorp. Any time I was dealing with a situation, either academic or social, he would simply listen to me and help me release all my frustrations. As a teacher, he supports all his students very well and understands their point of view. As a person, the welcoming environment his classroom brings for problems not math-related helped me through times of burn-out and overwhelmed feelings as an ASB Student-Athlete.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in school?
I am most proud of my persistence for trying new things. Understanding that experiences I want to involve myself in should not be influenced by other people’s opinions. If my freshman college-nervous self listened to others worried and their comments about how “UW wants people that have committed to a sport all four years of highschool” I would not be where I am today. Every sport I’ve tried throughout my high school experience has given me complete confidence and an unreal perspective about the world and the communities that have welcomed me into their sport. My showcasing of curiosity and outcomes of individuality I know have taught me life lessons that will be valuable to my future.
How has your experience in the Edmonds School District prepared you for the future?
When I think of the Edmonds School District, I think about all the amazing teachers that have seen my potential and my hunger for learning. The abundance of teaching styles I've managed to adapt to to still learn and flourish in classes has helped me become more independent as a student while still meeting with teachers for help. Making a habit of attending office hours and working one-on-one with teachers has been crucial to my education. These skills of reaching out for help, taking advantage of opportunities, and staying adaptable to different environments has allowed me to make these values a stronger part of my decision and learning process.
What are you most excited or hopeful about as you move on from high school?
The things that excite me and give me hope as I move on from high school is seeing how my skills I’ve honed the past 12 years in my education journey have grown into powerful actions that launch my future into an even brighter place. The people I’ve met throughout my entire life so far have made an amazing impact and learning objective to me that I carry every day. Getting to interact with new people with different childhood/school experiences and using the skills I’ve worked with, is what excites me the most about my next upcoming years as a college student.
Ajie Fofana
Meadowdale High
Who inspired or supported you most during your school journey, and how did they make a difference?
Throughout my school journey, the people who have inspired and supported me the most are my mom, Haddy Baldeh, and my two best friends, Sifen and Saron — my Double S’s. Moving to Meadowdale was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I owe so much of that to them. Even though I was asked to choose just one person, I simply can’t because they are all part of the same love and strength that helped shape who I am today.
They didn’t just support me; they allowed me to be fully and authentically myself. Whether I was facing something big or small, they showed up with love, compassion, and a quiet strength that reminded me I was never alone. They celebrated my wins, lifted me through the lows, and believed in me even when I couldn’t see my own potential.
Thanks to them, Meadowdale became more than just a school; it became a place where I could grow, stumble, and become someone I’m proud of. I’ll always carry their encouragement and love with me wherever life takes me next.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in school?
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of during my time in school is Afro Fusion Night. Not only was it one of the biggest events hosted at Meadowdale — bringing in nearly 600 people from different schools and districts — but it was also one of the most meaningful experiences of my high school career.
AFN gave me the chance to be outspoken, to grow into my most authentic self, and to create something that connected people through culture, joy, and shared experience. It opened doors to lifelong friendships and helped build a bridge between communities. Getting to see so many students come together, laugh, dance, and celebrate who they are was unforgettable. It reminded me how powerful it is when we embrace each other’s differences and realize just how much we have in common.
How has your experience in the Edmonds School District prepared you for the future?
My experience in the Edmonds School District helped me grow into a more confident, driven version of myself. I moved to Meadowdale in my sophomore year, and at first, I felt alone, like I couldn’t connect with anyone. But joining clubs like BSU helped me realize that sometimes you have to be the one to put yourself out there. Believing in that allowed me to build real connections, and it even led me to meet my two best friends.
Public speaking used to be a lifelong fear of mine, but being involved in BSU and leadership gave me the space to grow. I was confidently allowed to be the loudest person in the room — using my words to express my personality and be truly heard. From balancing high school and college classes to organizing events, I’ve gained leadership, communication, and time management skills that I know will stay with me. The challenges I faced taught me resilience, and the support I found showed me the importance of community — something I’ll carry with me into the future.
What are you most excited or hopeful about as you move on from high school?
What I’m most excited and hopeful about as I move on from high school is becoming an advocate for others, using my future career as a pediatrician to uplift people and be a voice for those who don’t always feel heard, especially children and families in underserved communities. As a first-generation student, this next chapter means so much to me. I’m excited to step into the blessings around me, to grow, to learn, and to chase the dreams I’ve carried for so long. I look forward to getting into my dream school, dorming with my best friends, and forming new relationships that will shape my journey. I’m also allowing myself to feel the bittersweet emotions of leaving high school behind — the people, the memories, and all the growth. It’s all part of the story, and I’m hopeful for everything that’s ahead.
Elisa Landmann
Edmonds-Woodway High
Who inspired or supported you most during your school journey, and how did they make a difference?
My parents because they encouraged me to advocate for myself and help me with any schoolwork.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in school?
Completing my English HL Essay because I worked so hard on it and I was proud of the end result.
How has your experience in the Edmonds School District prepared you for the future?
It has taught me the importance of advocating for myself and my needs.
What are you most excited or hopeful about as you move on from high school?
Getting ready for my future career, whatever that may be. I'm still discovering what I want to do.
Anaja Senebouttarath
Scriber Lake High
Who inspired or supported you most during your school journey, and how did they make a difference?
I would say my Mom and all of the staff at Scriber have been by my side the most during my educational journey. Ever since I have stepped foot onto Scriber, every single staff member has given me nothing but support and care when it came to me sharing my goals. I was inspired by one of my teachers Nate Seright at the start of my Junior Year when he told me about a job his wife did where she was able to travel and do Marketing, this is what helped set me with what I want to do when I graduate University. When I was very young, I had always known that I wanted to do Business and enjoyed Marketing. My mom actively encouraged me to work hard in school to reach my goals, her guidance and support has led me to where I am today, being able to graduate and pursue my career into a University.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in school?
I was able to graduate early, get into my top choice University, and maintain a 4.0 GPA since my Junior year! I also gained a great support system from all of the staff at Scriber that has helped me build confidence once I go into University.
How has your experience in the Edmonds School District prepared you for the future?
The summer before the start of my senior year, Vanessa Edwards gave me an amazing opportunity with the district to do a CTE Internship aligned with my interests and passions, which ultimately helped me confirm I want to continue to do Marketing for a career. I was also able to be a part of the CTE Student Committee board which allowed me to gain & practice leadership skills, make special connections, and make a difference for introducing students in the district to CTE.
What are you most excited or hopeful about as you move on from high school?
I am excited to start a new chapter in college. I will be attending the University of Washington and I'm looking forward to a change in environment for an educational setting and pursuing my career. My plans after college is to be able to travel around internationally while Marketing as a career.
Samantha Yalon-Clay
Edmonds eLearning Academy
Who inspired or supported you most during your school journey, and how did they make a difference?
My Mom has been my biggest supporter. She has been there through everything. I could not have done it without her. Thanks to all the teachers for the encouragement and for making things work for me. Thank you to Jaime, our concealer, for sticking with me and finding a plan that allowed me to succeed.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in school?
I am proud of sticking with it and finishing.
How has your experience in the Edmonds School District prepared you for the future?
I learned that if you persevere , good things will happen. And that there are people who want to help you, and you should let them.
What are you most excited or hopeful about as you move on from high school
I am looking forward to taking some time to figure out what I want to do next and spending time on things that I enjoy.
Liam Padfield
Edmonds Heights K12
Who inspired or supported you most during your school journey, and how did they make a difference?
My teacher Nancy Chang had a significant impact on my high school experience. Nancy is one of the kindest, most creative, multi-faceted, and generally most awesome people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. I originally met her as my Algebra 2 teacher in 8th grade, and later had the pleasure of working with her as
my guitar-building instructor and robotics coach. Not only has she supported every crazy and extravagant idea that I have pursued, but she has also instilled in me a passion to keep growing and learning. Her alternative teaching style fosters curiosity and creativity together with fundamental principles, which enabled me to grasp
complex concepts across a wide breadth of disciplines that work with my learning style. She helped create a strong foundation in my high school academics, as well as other essential skills such as public speaking and team management, enabling me to excel in my Running Start classes and extracurricular activities. I thank her profusely for all of her hard work, as the care and attention she put into my education is the same that she gives to all her students, and for helping me to grow into the person I am today.
What accomplishment are you most proud of from your time in school?
I am most proud of my efforts in the Edmonds Heights Performing Arts program, my school's FTC robotics team, the STEM guitar building project, my training in martial arts, and Running Start. I joined my school’s musical theater program at the end of my sophomore year, and now I can't imagine my life without it. I had the honor of performing as a soloist and lead in many musicals, the most notable being Sonny Malone in Xanadu
and Hades in Hadestown, and receiving a Superior rating for my solo musical performance at the 24-25 Thespys competition. I also had the privilege to be on team 3805 Atomic Robotics for five years, three of them as a team leader. I am so thankful for my time in the program, as it taught me valuable skills such as working effectively in a team management setting, collaborating with peers, and promoting healthy competition. One of my absolute favorite aspects of high school was being in the guitar building program. Through my time there, I have built and worked on over ten different instruments, including a custom bass, a 3D-printed guitar, and a semi-hollow-body guitar. I have also had the pleasure of being a part-time TA of the class and helping other students build quality, playable instruments. I also deeply appreciate my time studying under Master Chang in Shito Ryu Karate. I have had the pleasure of continuing my training through high school and, through many hours of training, have achieved a first-dan black belt. Finally, I greatly appreciate all the amazing professors I have had during my time at Running Start, who encouraged me to do my best work and achieve a 4.0 cumulative GPA.
How has your experience in the Edmonds School District prepared you for the future?
I am glad to say that my high school experience has made me confident about the future. Through my classes and with endless support from my amazing teachers and family I have learned many fundamental academic and non-academic skills applicable to many different aspects of life. They range from how to calculate projectile motion to find optimal torque and speed for the flywheel on a ring-shooting robot to being
confident enough to look someone in the eye and have a deep conversation. I appreciate all my teachers, friends, family, and counselors who have helped me through my high school experience and prepared me with courage for the years ahead.
What are you most excited or hopeful about as you move on from high school?
As I move on from high school, I hope to use all the lessons I’ve learned over the past years and apply them to something meaningful. While I have some clarity about my plans, the path I will take is still a bit foggy. I am hopeful that I will find a path that enables me to do the things I
love in a meaningful way that brings joy to myself and others. I am very excited to see where the next few years take me, and I am ready to step into this next chapter in my life with confidence and enthusiasm.