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Federal Way Mirror Awards 2024 Athletes of the Year

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Federal Way Mirror Awards 2024 Athletes of the Year

Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) and the Federal Way Mirror teamed up at the Athlete of the Year Celebration to honor 16 scholar-athletes for their athleticism and hard work throughout the school year and name the top-voted male and female athlete as the 2024 Athlete of the Year. The program, held at Thomas Jefferson High School, included remarks from FWPS Executive Director of Equity and Athletics, Jerry Peterson and FWPS Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer, a presentation of awards, and entertaining performances showcasing each high school’s unique school culture and pride.

Two male and two female student-athletes from each comprehensive high school were recognized individually with a custom-framed sports card and a reading of their sports and academic accolades. Decatur’s choir ensemble sang a rendition of Super Trooper from their school’s recent Mama Mia! Production, Federal Way High School’s Pacific Islander Club performed two traditional dances, Thomas Jefferson High School brought their lively drum line, and Todd Beamer’s cheerleaders shared an energetic display of school spirit.

The highlighted athletes came from all sports – track and field, wrestling, gymnastics, basketball, and others. From each of the high schools, the nominated athletes were:

Decatur High School

  • Amyah Johnson (girls swim and dive, gymnastics)
  • Madelyn Mitchell (cross country, track and field)
  • Jonah Jones (cross country, soccer)
  • Nehemiah Washington (football, wrestling, track and field)

Federal Way High School

  • Joseline Abundis Sanchez (gymnastics, track and field)
  • Cassandra Atkins (track and field)
  • Austin May (football, track and field)
  • Xavier Garms Huricks (football, track and field)

Thomas Jefferson High School

  • Ava Heitman (fastpitch)
  • Alyssa Xiong (volleyball, wrestling)
  • Brandon Woods (football, wrestling, track and field)
  • Kort Baker (baseball, swimming, basketball)

Todd Beamer High School

  • Casiana Olvera (girls flag football, softball)
  • Anisah Rogers (cheer, track and field)
  • Keith Rogers Jr. (football, basketball, track and field)
  • Behailu Asfaw (cross country, wrestling, soccer)

After acknowledging each athlete’s accomplishment, Federal Way Mirror sports reporter Ben Ray came up to announce the 2024 Athlete of the Year Award, decided by a popular vote through the Federal Way Mirror website. As a graduate of Decatur High School, he shared the enthusiasm and anticipation with the rest of the attendees, and ultimately awarded Decatur High School senior Jonah Jones and Decatur junior Madelyn Mitchell as the 2024 male and female Athlete of the Year!

“These young people are dominating in sports. Their commitment to excellence has earned them recognition as the top athletes in Federal Way Public Schools,” shared Superintendent Dr. Pfeiffer at the event. “More so, it has afforded them opportunities to continue their academic and athletic excellence in the future in college and beyond. Please, join me in celebrating our 16 excellent Athlete of the Year nominees. You are all incredible in your respective sports, and I have no doubt that each of you will go far in any endeavor you set out to achieve!”

FWPS is proud to provide all scholars with the opportunity to participate in sports and to see so many star performing athletes. Thank you to Federal Way Mirror for your support, and to FWPS athletic staff who helped make this event possible, and to the scholar-athletes for being a peer model of sportsmanship and hard work. Finally, congratulations Jonah and Madelyn for being named 2024 Athlete of the Year!