The incoming juniors selected are:

Sosna Araya –Kennedy Catholic High School
Fiona Clayton – Cleveland High School
Antonio Hernandez – Stadium High School
Kjirstin Hopfer – Ocosta High School
Dane McMillan – Hoquiam High School
Nancy Phan – Rogers (Spokane) High School
Roman Schroyer – Sehome High School
Billy Simpkin – Kiona Benton High School

The LEAP Committee, now in its 12th year, is comprised of 16 juniors and seniors (eight juniors; eight seniors) representing the six WIAA classifications and the nine WIAA districts. Committee members serve as the voice of over 225,000 athletics and activities student participants in the state of Washington. The juniors will serve a two-year term and will join the eight seniors who recently completed their first term during the 2018-19 school year.

Senior Committee members returning to serve their second term are: Gunnar Aune (Colfax High School), Malachy Caffrey (West Valley (Yakima) High School), Kelly Chen (Foster High School), Lauren Frueh (Issaquah High School), Andrew Liu (Olympia High School), Rocco Parrish (Grandview High School), Kamryn Shannon (Ephrata High School) and Allison Yajko (Skyview High School).

All of the applicants completed an extensive application process. In addition to an online application, students were required to submit letters of recommendation, a short essay on why athletics and activities are important, and a video personal statement about their school and why they should be selected.

The Committee will meet five times throughout the school year to go through leadership exercises, have peer discussions, work on group projects, and provide feedback to the Association on various initiatives. The group will also have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, work State Championship events, and sit in on important WIAA Executive Board subcommittees.

Committee members will attend a retreat in August the summer before their senior year. The retreat combines physical outdoor adventures and team building exercises, while evaluating the previous year and providing opportunity for goal-setting for the upcoming year. In addition to attending the six meetings and the retreat, each student is required to write a blog about their school that is highlighted on the WIAA website and social media channels during each year they are on the Committee.

If you would like additional information on any of the LEAP members, please contact Casey Johnson (cjohnson@wiaa.com).

LEAP Committee Members | Past Committee Members | Former LEAP Student Blogs