The graduating class of 2022 is full of changemakers. They demonstrate a deep commitment to their communities. With big goals and the determination to make a positive impact, we wholeheartedly believe they will change the world for the better.
Here are the stories of eight graduates who are examples of the outstanding young leaders graduating from Highline ready to choose their future.
Class of 2022
Daija Tamble, Big Picture High School
Daija Tamble has been a powerful force at Big Picture since middle school. She works as a sustainability intern for the City of Burien, represents Big Picture on the Superintendent's Student Leadership Team, and founded and leads the school's Black Student Union. Daija thinks and acts as a leader on a daily basis and works diligently to support her community. Next year, she heads to Gonzaga University as an Act 6 Scholar.
Josilyn Walker, CHOICE Academy
Josilyn Walker is deeply driven by her goals. A CHOICE Academy student, she also takes courses at Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) and Highline College through Running Start. Inspired by her fashion design course at PSSC, Josilyn has a clear post-secondary plan to create her own clothing brand that offers inclusive sizing for people of all shapes and sizes. Next year, Josilyn will attend Seattle Pacific University and plans to study apparel design.
Leo Flores Perez, Evergreen High School
Leo Flores Perez joined the Evergreen High School community during his junior year—at the height of the pandemic—after moving to the U.S. from Mexico. Teachers describe him as a kind, generous and talented learner. Leo has a passion for helping others and has dreams of opening a business or non-profit to help those in need, including people who live in his hometown community in Mexico. Next year, Leo will attend Highline College to study international business.
Karis Gran, Highline High School
Karis Gran is a natural leader, both in the classroom and on the field. She has earned honors and AP credits throughout her time at Highline High School. Through courses at PSSC, she has also earned her nursing assistant license. Karis competed in three sports during all four years of high school, lettering a total of 12 times. She also serves as class vice president and is a member of the school band. Karis is joining the Navy and will travel to Chicago this summer for basic training. She hopes to study nursing in the Navy.
Wednesday Satterlee, Mount Rainier High School
Wednesday Satterlee serves as Mount Rainier's ASB vice-president, is a full IB diploma candidate, is a member of the National Honor Society and works as a barista at The Bean in Burien. Teachers say Wednesday is one of the most outgoing and kind individuals at Mount Rainier. She has a passion for the arts, with plans to pursue a career in the film industry after college. Next year, Wednesday will attend the University of Southern California to study business at the Marshall School of Business.
Aurora Watanabe, New Start High School
Aurora Watanabe is a student leader, mentor and support to many of her peers at New Start High School. She founded the school's Women in Leadership Club to create a safe place for female students to share and learn together on campus. She is deeply committed to the environment and sustainability. Next year, Aurora will attend Western Washington University to study environmental science. Eventually, she also wants to attend law school.
Thomas Kebede, Raisbeck Aviation High School
Thomas Kebede has a keen focus on his academics with a lot of different interests. He is a member of Raisbeck Aviation's Green Energy Solar Car Team, Science Olympiad, Black Student Union and National Honor Society. He does all of this while participating in Track and Field and Cross Country, taking part in the Youth Ambassador Program, and volunteering at his church. Thomas is dedicated to his family and community, and school staff say is he one of the kindest, most respectful students on campus. Next year, Thomas will attend Stanford University to study engineering.
Daniela Baquedano-Lagos, Tyee High School
Beyond excelling in the classroom, Daniela Baquedano-Lagos is a multi-faceted community leader with a real passion for advocacy. Daniela is a varsity-level athlete, and as a bilingual scholar, she has shown a commitment to service by supporting fellow students. Daniela plans to work in the healthcare field to ensure people of color get equitable health care. Next year, she will study nursing at the University of Washington.