Isachi Halphen, Chandler Jenkins and Hannah Stoddard were among the high school seniors from across the state that participated in the inaugural Washington State Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Signing Day held Monday at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.
Just like signing days for athletes, the Washington STEM celebrated high school seniors as they made their commitments to some of the state and country’s top technical schools, colleges, and universities. These students will be applying their talents in pursuit of careers in STEM fields and putting themselves on the fast track for success.
Students signed STEM Letters of Intent during a ceremony attended by elected officials and business and community leaders. Forty-nine students, one from each legislative district across the state, were selected to take part in the event. The students were recruited by Washington independent nonprofit Washington STEM and applied through STEM education resource STEM Premier.
Halphen is a senior at Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup, who plans to study aerospace engineering with a minor in computer science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Jenkins, a senior at Tri-Cities Prep in Pasco, plans to study earth and atmospheric sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology; and Stoddard is a senior at Washougal High School in Washougal, WA, who plans to study biochemistry/pre-med at Howard University or Spelman College.
“Boeing is honored to recognize the achievements of some of the top students in Washington state and to celebrate their commitment to pursuing careers involving STEM skills,” said Ted Colbert, Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Information Technology & Data Analytics at The Boeing Company. “These students and their peers will be the leaders who advance technology and innovation in the 21st century workplace, and we feel privileged to support them in this endeavor.”
“A quality STEM education prepares students for success in career and life,” said Caroline King, CEO of Washington STEM. “We’re thrilled to recognize the accomplishments of these students — who represent our state’s diverse communities — as they graduate high school and commit to pursue their passion for STEM in further education or careers. We are proud to partner with Boeing as we inspire and prepare Washington’s next generation.” Other Seattle area honorees include:
Veenadhari Kollipara is a senior at Interlake High School. Kollipara plans to study bioengineering at Northwestern or University of Chicago.
Elijah Aosved is a senior at Blaine High School. Aosved plans to study botany at Pacific Lutheran University.
Jessica Orr is a senior at Bonney Lake High School. Orr plans to study psychiatry at Washington State University.
Trevor Crabb is a senior at Bothell High School. Crabb plans to study aerospace and aeronautical engineering at Arizona State University.
Michael Lai is a senior at Highline Big Picture High School. Lai plans to study mechanical engineering at University of Washington.
Iman Bennour is a senior at Federal Way Senior High School. Bennour plans to study information technology at Green River Community College.
Sabrina Rahas is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School. Rahas plays to study neurology at University of Washington.
Alex Veliz is a senior at Pierce County Skills Center. Veliz plans to study information technology at Central Washington University.
Hanna Karpstein is a senior at Tesla STEM High School. Karpstein plans to study neuroscience and psychology at Grinnell College.
Shayla Nguyen is a senior at Lindbergh Senior High School. Nguyen plans to study biology at University of Washington.
Karen Gaffney is a senior at Roosevelt High School. Gaffney plans to study engineering or bioengineering at University of Washington.
Milo Gosnell is a senior at Ballard High School. Gosnell plans to study computer and data science at Seattle Central College.
Colleen Hong is a senior at Health Science and Human Service School. Hong plans to study engineering at University of Washington or Pacific Lutheran University.
Madeleine Schwitters is a senior at King’s Schools. Schwitters plans to study cinematic engineering or mechanical engineering and computer science at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Amarjargal Tsogtoo is a senior at Nathan Hale High School planning to attend college in a STEM field.
Karlee Wong is a senior at Cleveland High School. Wong plans to study electrical engineering or computer science at University of Washington or Seattle University.
