Congratulations to the next generation of STEM leaders

The future is bright for Washington students, who have big dreams for their futures. High school seniors graduating this year are pursuing paths in many high-demand fields, from nursing and medicine to wireless security and computer engineering. Opportunity awaits: in the coming years, Washington employers are expected to create 373,000 net new jobs, many of which will require or be filled by people who complete a post-high school credential, such as a degree, apprenticeship, or certificate.

Forty-nine Washington state students who are planning to pursue STEM credentials recently received special honors from Boeing during Washington State STEM Signing Day on May 19. The annual event recognizes students who are committing to study a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) discipline after high school.

Just like college signing days for athletes, the next generation of STEM leaders signed a letter of intent to pursue a two- or four-year credential in a STEM field. The Washington state high school seniors were chosen based on their accomplishments and involvement in STEM education. Leaders in education, business, and communities around the state joined Boeing in recognizing these students’ hard work and drive for success in the virtual ceremony.

Why STEM?

Students are excited about their futures in STEM for many reasons.

“I’m excited that I’ll be a part of a community that brings positive change to the world by solving the issues we face today,” says Mohamed Ilyas, a senior at Raisbeck-Aviation High School who plans to study biology.

Engaging with systems security excites Aric Gaffke, a second-year student at the Pierce County Skills Center who plans to attend Clover Park Technical College in the fall. “I’m also intrigued about wireless security and how it will compare to physical security as wireless because more prevalent in our modern society,” Aric says.

“What I’m most excited about my future in STEM is the goals I’m planning to achieve and what I could do with the information I will learn,” says Isabel Chavarin, a senior at Fife High School who plans to study chemical engineering at Washington State University.

WATCH: Students share their excitement about STEM pathways

Boeing leaders applauded the students’ hard work and aspirations to careers in STEM fields.

“Celebrating the next generation of STEM leaders is inspiring and hopeful,” said Gina Breukelman, senior manager, Northwest Region, Boeing Global Engagement. “You have worked so hard to explore your interests and embark on a journey toward a STEM career. Thank you for your passion and ingenuity. Our communities and future are brighter because of you.”

Washington’s honorees were among more than 600 students honored at similar events nationwide this spring. These Washington students plan to study many STEM subjects, including air traffic control, astrophysics, chemical engineering, computer science, medicine, neuroscience, statistics and more. They plan to attend colleges and universities in Washington and beyond, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, Lower Columbia College, Pacific Lutheran University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

WATCH: Washington 2022 STEM Signing Day virtual event

WASHINGTON STUDENTS HONORED:

Sanjida	Affrin	Franklin High School
Ahmad	Al Ghifari	Kent-Meridian High School
Maram	Bouhdache	CHOICE Academy
Isabel	Chavarin	Fife High School
Ian	Clark	Bellevue High School
Kaitlynn	Cross	Summit Virtual Academy
Austin	Dillinger	Eisenhower High School
Zoe	Durand	White River High School
Megan	Fownes	Kamiak High School
Aric	Gaffke	Challenger Secondary School
Gavin	Giesbrecht	Central Kitsap High School
Marlene	Gonzalez Moya	Wenatchee High School
Bebe simone	Hart	Timberline High School
Diana	Hernandez	Royal High School
Kreslyn	Hinds	Squalicum High School
Michael	Ibrahim	North Creek High School
Mohamed	Ilyas	Raisbeck Aviation High School
Rachel	Jones	Lynden High School
Phoenix	Joraa	Klahowya Secondary
Shirley	Kaikai	Kamiak High School
Ashley	Kao	Sammamish High School
Emily	Kao	Sammamish High School
Devon	Leigh	Joel E. Ferris High School​
Zachary	Mahar	Olympia High School
Kha	Ngo	R A Long High School
Anna	Nguyen	International Community School
Johlesa	Orm	Lindbergh Senior High School
Alex	Philbrick	Fife High School
Milan	Rahmani	Ballard High School
Dipsika	Rasaily	Auburn Mountainview High School
Alyssa	Retchless	Bonney Lake High School
Stella	Rillie	Science and Math Institute
Siena	Roberts	Lewis and Clark High School
Caleb	Roberts	Kamiak High School
Jeselle	Romero	Olympia High School
Thalisa	Saldivar	Toppenish High School
Maurisio	Sanchez	AC Davis High School
Kameron	Scott	Stanwood High School​
Olivia	Snyder	Mt. Spokane High School
Arshpreet	Tagore	Henry M Jackson High School
Mario	Trujillo	Toppenish High School
Alyssa	Underwood	Central Valley High School​
Sirjan	Uppal	North Creek High School
Hannah	Van Mantgem	Blaine High School (Washington)
Annette	Van Niekerk	Sehome High School
Tori	Vandenbeld	Woodinville High School
salma	wairimu	Curtis Senior High
Grace	Wang	Juanita High School
Kathleen	Wilson	Rochester High School