We’re excited to welcome the eight incoming juniors from WIAA member schools who have been selected to join the LEAP (Leadership through Education Activities and Personal Development) Committee as the Class of 2025.

The incoming juniors selected are:

Brandon Bao – Thomas Jefferson
Bryn Beckman – Rainier
Joey Earl – Chief Leschi
Madison Hull – Renton
Nik Husarik – Emerald Ridge
Kara Ma – The Bush School
Mya Morales – Sunnyside
Cheyenne Shewell – Ellensburg

Now entering its 17th year, the LEAP Committee is comprised of 16 juniors and seniors (eight juniors; eight seniors) representing the WIAA’s member schools and serving as the voice of the Association’s 225,000+ athletics and activities student participants. These juniors will serve a two-year term, joining the eight seniors who recently completed their first term during the 2022-23 school year.

Senior Committee members returning to serve their second term are: Rylee Aloisio (Franklin Pierce), Alex Besteman (Interlake), Luka Kawahara (Juanita), Joey Lurie (Mercer Island), Gracie Pham (Davis), Kate Schneider (Freeman), Rocky Srinivasan (Eastside Prep) and Turner Van Slyke (Walla Walla).

All applicants completed an extensive application process which included an online application, letters of recommendation, short essays and a video personal statement about why they should be selected.

The Committee will meet five times throughout the school year to discuss and provide feedback on WIAA-related topics and initiatives. The group will also have the opportunity to be involved with WIAA State Championship events, and participate in WIAA Executive Board meetings.

In the summer prior to the start of their senior year, Committee members will participate in a summer retreat that combines team-building exercises, while also evaluating the previous year and setting goals for the upcoming year.