12 Outstanding Seniors

Introduction from Dr. San Martin

Board President Teal, Members of the Board, Superintendent Pattenaude, RHS community, it is a privilege to introduce to you the RHS 12 “Outstanding Seniors” for the Graduating Class of 2020. As our new reality sinks in, and sadly stop us from enjoying this lovely tradition at the customary April Board meeting, I see no reason to not celebrate our most remarkable students virtually. The following presentation gives us the opportunity to celebrate and present the students' hard work and success, while still maintaining social distancing amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

These 12 students represent the best of RHS regarding scholastics, activities, sports, and community engagement. But they also represent the dedication to excellence that the RHS community exhibits daily. We know that forming remarkable students is not the product of individual heroics, but a group’s effort that pays attention to detail and empowers students to act to the best of their capabilities. These outstanding seniors are the result of a highly collaborative partnership between their families, their school personnel, and their community that tells students what they need to hear and not what they want to hear. Together, we have real magic. Together, we feel pride for their accomplishments. And today, within these very taxing times, we honor a job well done. Please join me in giving a round of applause for those parents, family members, friends, teachers, and staff that contributed to the success of these terrific students.

Be ready to be impressed. Let’s meet them!

Mariam has enjoyed Renton High School’s unique way of welcoming students from different communities and her time as a student, stating, “Renton High School has been great for learning about different students from diverse backgrounds.” Throughout high school, Mariam credits her motivation to her family who, she says, pushed her daily to be better academically and personally.

Mariam’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is her advisor and mentor, Mrs. Raissa Licano–Sanchez. Mariam reveals, “Mrs. Licano–Sanchez helped me adjust to a new country and a new school environment. Mrs. Licano–Sanchez expresses, “Mariam is a natural leader, thinker, and activist. She strikes a balance between her curiosity of those around her and maintains strength in her own identity.”

Mariam is a Running Start student and was previously the President of the African Student Union. Mariam wants to go to a university and fulfill her dream of being in the medical field.

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Diana Caoagdan

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Diana describes her four years at Renton High School as, “Exhausting, yet rewarding,” as she has been a highly involved member of the student body and a student–athlete. Diana’s heavy participation and perseverance through all challenges she has faced is a true embodiment of Renton High School’s motto of “Pride, Tradition, and Excellence.”

Diana’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is her advisor for the Filipino Student Union, Mrs. Rosemary Shaw. Diana shares, “Mrs. Shaw treats us like her own children. We are thankful for her being so loving to all students and taking time to support our extra–curricular activity.” Mrs. Shaw declares, “Diana embodies the qualities of a great leader with passion, intelligence, ingenuity, courage, and focus. She takes pride in team accomplishments, is humble, kind, and caring.”

Diana was co–captain of the gymnastics team, President of the Filipino Student Union, and was a four–year member of the tennis team. This is only a glimpse of her involvement at Renton High School. After graduation, Diana plans on attending a four–year university to major in Communication.

Joselyn Do

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Joselyn’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is her IB Biology teacher and cross–country and track and field coach, Mr. Lance Winmill. Joselyn explains, “I am thankful of Mr. Winmill’s support when I was a student in his class and when he coached me.” Mr. Winmill declares, “Joselyn is everything you could possibly wish for in a student–athlete. She is curious, sincere, diligent, thoughtful, growth–minded, hard–working, and understands delayed gratification.”

Joselyn is an ever–active member of the student body via various clubs while also participating in cross–country, gymnastics, and track and field. After graduation, Joselyn plans on attending the University of Washington – Seattle, majoring in Computer Science and Biology.

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Alicia Ing

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Alicia announced, “My four years at Renton High School made me realize that nothing meaningful can ever be accomplished without fully dedicating yourself to something.” Alicia’s advice to future Renton High School students is for them not to put themselves into a “box,” and to push themselves to take on new opportunities while embracing the discomfort that may accompany them.

Alicia’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is her IB History teacher and advisor for Renton Peer Mentors and Multicultural Week, Mrs. Lurline Keopanya. Alicia tells us, “Mrs. Keo has seen me grow and mature since I was a Freshman and has been a dependable and understanding presence in my life, pushing me to strive for excellence in everything I do.” Mrs. Keopanya reveals, “Alicia is one of the most remarkable students I have encountered in my 13 years of teaching. Her character, work ethic, and dedication for our school and local community is truly amazing. Alicia is an inspiration to her peers, her teachers, and especially to me.”

Alicia is a very engaged member of the Renton High School community, as the ASB President, girl’s track team captain, an officer in both the Filipino Student Union and the Vietnamese Student Union, and a youth representative on the Mayor’s Inclusion Taskforce for the City of Renton. Alicia plans on attending the University of Washington, pursuing a career in International Business, International Relations, or possibly, Non–Profit Management.

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Justin Lynch

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“A once in a lifetime experience,” is how Justin describes his high school experience as he recalls beginning as a, “clueless Freshman.” Justin exclaims, “I have learned so much from this community, which has allowed me to grow into the individual I am today, and I am proud to be a part of this community.”

Justin’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is his IB Psychology teacher and Psychology and HOSA Club advisor, Mr. Joseph (Joe) Bento. Justin discloses, “I am thankful for Mr. Bento being a part of my high school experience and making it all the more enjoyable.” Mr. Bento says, “Justin is what an outstanding Senior should be. He is involved in his school and community, takes challenging classes, and is liked by his peers. He is an amazing student.”

In addition to being the President of the HOSA club, Justin has practiced playing the piano for two years. Justin plans to attend a medical school and pursue becoming a primary care physician after graduation.

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Faith Richardson

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Faith credits Renton High School with giving her the opportunity to pursue her passions and develop her character. Faith discloses, “After four years, I am leaving as a young woman eager to bring my greatest goals into fruition.”

Faith’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is the School Resource Officer, Officer Thaddeus Kerkhoff. Faith reveals, “Officer Kerkhoff made me realize that everyone has their limits and reminded me that my abilities are going to take me to great places.” Officer Kerkhoff declares, “Faith is one of the hardest working student–athletes that I have ever met. Regardless of the situation, she gives 110% and has overcome more adversity in her young adult life than most will ever have to and has done so with tenacity and grace. She is one of my heroes.”

Faith is a wonderful example of an all–around student–athlete, as she is heavily involved in the school community; whether it is speaking at functions, dancing with her peers, or breaking track and field records. After graduation, Faith will continue her academic and track careers as a collegiate scholar–athlete attending the University of Massachusetts.

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O'Shae Barquet

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O’Shae classifies his four years at Renton High School as “Nothing short of a blessing,” stating, “There have been many ups and downs with being a student–athlete, but the experiences have made me a better person and prepared me for the future."

O’Shae’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is his basketball coach, Mr. Rashaad Powell. O’Shae believes Mr. Powell kept him focused, demanded the best from him, and was a “Father figure,” developing a bond beyond school and basketball. Mr. Powell says, “I could not be more proud of O’Shae; he was an absolute joy and pleasure to be around daily, and he is the type of young man I want my son to grow up and be like.”

O’Shae epitomizes a successful student–athlete, balancing a rigorous academic course load while spending countless hours in athletics, and being an upstanding citizen in his school and community. O’Shae plans to continue his basketball career as a collegiate student–athlete after graduation.

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Ronzell Danao

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In reflecting on his time at Renton High School, Ronzell exclaims, “I have learned the importance of commitment and persevering in the face of adversity.” Ten years from now, Ronzell hopes to be working in the automotive industry in a privately-owned shop helping people who were once in his position.

Ronzell’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is his advisor and 9th grade Biology teacher, Mrs. Melanie Walker. Ronzell states, “Mrs. Walker has seen me grow as a student and a person, and I admire her ability to tolerate tough situations.” Mrs. Walker shares, “It has been an honor and privilege to be part of Ronzell’s life the last four years. He is a caring and thoughtful person who has demonstrated strong leadership characteristics and has been a positive influence on students and staff alike.”

Ronzell has excelled academically while being a four–year member of the swim team, making it to the state tournament, and while maintaining a part–time job. Ronzell plans to attend a trade school in automotive technology and becoming ASE-Certified to pursue a career as a master technician after graduation.

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Abby Elliot

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Growing up, Abigail wanted to be a veterinarian as she had spent six years horseback riding and always loved spending time with animals. During Abigail’s four years at Renton High School, she states, “I learned how to push myself academically through the International Baccalaureate (IB) program as well as how to pursue personal and creative endeavors such as film and gymnastics.”

Abigail’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is her gymnastics coach, Ms. Esther Rich. Abigail informs us that, “Ms. Rich has encouraged and taught me to grow as a gymnast. During our conservation trip to Belize, she helped me to discover and pursue my passion for environmentalism. She also taught me the importance of prioritizing my mental health and supported me through my most stressful moments.” Ms. Rich exclaims, “Abby is a dynamic leader who works diligently to bring the Renton High School student body together through efforts like the Renton Arrow, Renton Spirit Instagram account, and being the co–captain of gymnastics. She uses her positive energy to inspire others and can always be depended on to do her best.”

In addition to being an IB diploma student, Abigail was the co–captain of the gymnastics team, President of the Renton Arrow, and the ASB Activities Publicity Director. Abigail plans on attending a four–year university and majoring in Film.

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Ethan Jurado

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One thing Ethan regrets about his time at Renton High School is not being more engaged in club activities during his Freshman year. Ethan discloses, “In my four years at Renton High School, I had some of the most positive experiences and relationships in my life, and they will inspire me in my pursuit of building a better future.”

Ethan’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is his IB Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Sara Khelghatian. Ethan shares, “Mrs. Khelghatian is the most exuberant teacher I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She makes classroom learning an amazing experience, and I appreciate her for brightening my mood whenever I was having a tough day.” Mrs. Khelghatian declares that, “Ethan is a true model of Pride, Tradition, and Excellence. He is analytical, creative, open minded, and supportive of his peers.”

While Ethan did not participate in extra–curricular activities as a Freshman, he has since made up for “lost time” as he is the President of the Robotics Club, co–captain of the baseball team, and a member of the cross–country team, chess club, and recycling club. After graduation Ethan plans on pursuing a career in Chemical Engineering at the Honors College at Arizona State University.

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Jacqueline Nguyen

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Jacqueline reminisces about one of her funniest memories at Renton High School involving tripping and falling down the stairs as she ran from club to club after school. Jacqueline declares, “I am extremely honored to say that I attended "Thee Renton High School," as the staff and students have inspired me in so many ways: showing compassion, vulnerability, and strength.”

Jacqueline’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is her Culinary teacher, Ms. Lauren Hasson. Jacqueline states, “Throughout my high school journey, Ms. Hasson has supported me through all obstacles.” Mrs. Hasson reveals, “Jackie is one of the hardest working people I know, whether it is doing class work, participating in an after-school club, or working in the community. Jackie pushes herself and those around her to do their best. Jackie is well–respected by her peers and adults.”

Jacqueline has been extremely involved with Renton High School and the community as she is the president of multiple clubs and works for the City of Renton. After graduation, Jacqueline plans on attending college to major in Nursing with a specialty in gynecology.

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Jovan Wheaton

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Jovan is dedicated and determined to become an engineer. Jovan admits, “At a point, my time at Renton High School was rough, but I had to prove myself to the world that I am going to make it, and I am going to be successful by fulfilling my dream as an engineer.”

Jovan’s most memorable Renton High School staff member is his Language Arts teacher, Ms. Shannon Milner. Jovan shares, “Ms. Milner has shown me a lot in life. She showed me how to take care of myself, showed caring toward myself and others, and showed me how the “real world” is going to be when I graduate.” Ms. Milner tells us, “Jovan is a nice human being, who is always helpful and kind to others. He has pushed himself to do more and higher level work each year all while being more involved in sports. If I could clone a student, I would clone Jovan, he makes teaching enjoyable.”

Jovan is a member of the Black Student Union and the football and baseball teams. Jovan plans to attend a university or join the military after graduation to fulfill his engineering dream.