Good News March 26

Congratulations to Decatur High School scholar, Rosie Pratt for receiving the Roger Freeman Memorial Award Scholarship from the City of Federal Way Diversity Commission. 

Roger Freeman led a life of selflessness and kindness, especially when it came to the youth in our city and region. Rosie’s application was selected for the $250 scholarship award for embodying the characteristics of the late Roger Freeman and for being committed to Diversity, Integrity, Compassion, & Justice.

Congratulations to 16 of our scholars for competing with over 4,000 students in the Washington DECA State Career Development Conference competition and qualifying for the DECA International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California. 

Scholars competed in an array of category events ranging from individual series, team, campaigns, school-based enterprise, and many more. Students were judged on their testing, role play, presentation, and written scores. In addition, three of our students won a $1000 college scholarship to be split among them while others won monetary awards to be used at ICDC.

DECA is a student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools around the globe.

Congratulations to nine of our scholars from all four of our comprehensive high schools for advancing to theWIAA State Gymnastics Championships!

In addition, Federal Way High School scholar, Joseline Abundis Sanchez, took home three medals including the WIAA 4A State Gymnastics Individual All-Around Championship! She achieved the highest combined score on all four apparatus to be crowned state All-Around Champion and took first place on Beam and Vault and second place on Floor. She became the first gymnast in district history to take home the All-Around Championship crown.

Joseline is also the first Federal Way gymnast to take first place in any gymnastics event since the 2002-03 school year and the first gymnast to take first place in multiple events since the 1989-90 school year.

Congratulations to the Federal Way High School and Todd Beamer High School Boys Basketball team for their success and advancing to the WIAA State Boys Basketball Championships!

In addition, the Todd Beamer High School boys basketball team made school history for returning to the state tournament for the first time in 10 years.

Congratulations to Federal Way High School’s drama teacher, Holly Rose, for earning the 2024 Washington State Thespians Inspirational Teacher Award!

The inaugural award recognizes theatre educators who have inspired their students and school community to thrive. Holly was nominated by two scholars. The first scholar shares that Ms. Rose allows scholars to empower their creativity and innovation while also connecting scholars with experts in the industry to learn from. Another scholar shares that Ms. Rose is patient and pushes people to their fullest potential.

We would like to congratulate Kilo Middle School counselor, Robert Daniel and Todd Beamer High School College and Career Specialist, Alicia Luke for their well-deserved state-wide recognition in their field by the Washington School Counselor Association!

Robert was honored as the Rising Star (Counselor) of Washington for his exceptional contributions within his first four years in the profession, including improving student orientation programs, reducing attendance gaps, implementing data-driven interventions, and helping build the RAMP ready program at Kilo Middle School.

Alicia was awarded the College and Career Counselor of the Year for providing strong support of the comprehensive guidance model and for her dedication to integrating career counseling with academic and personal/social development. Alicia connects our scholars with unique opportunities, valuable internships, and volunteer opportunities.

Both counselors are praised for their empathy, expertise, and commitment to supporting students' success.