2025 Emerald Ridge High Outstanding Seniors

Brennan Aoki

• Student Activities

  • Student Government

  • ASB Treasurer

  • Baseball

  • Basketball

  • Golf

  • Jesus Club

  • Peer Buddy with Unified Sports

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• Honors

  • 4-year Varsity Letter in Baseball

  • 3-year Varsity Letter in Basketball

  • Varsity Letter in Golf

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• Community Activities

  • YoungLife leader

  • Tacoma Rescue Mission

  • Club Baseball

  • Unified Basketball Peer Buddy volunteer

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• Hobbies

  • Hanging out with friends

  • Reading the Bible

  • Traveling

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• Next Stop

  • Whitworth University

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Jesse Kase
  Brennan has a smile that is contagious, humility that is uncommon and admirable, and compassion for others that is evident in the way he conducts his life. Brennan’s leadership has touched all corners of ERHS as he has been instrumental in simply making things happen. He is motivated, driven, and willing to step-up in a way that makes a big difference. His impact in the halls, field, court, and throughout the community will be felt for years to come.

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Melissa Aparicio-Domingo

• School Activities

  • DECA — 3-year Chapter Officer

  • The Jungle General Manager

  • Key Club

  • HOSA

  • UNICEF

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• Honors

  • DECA State and National Qualifier

  • DECA Executive Officer of the Year

  • Seattle Finance Collective Scholar

  • Rotary Student of the Month

  • ACAP Seattle Certification of Excellence

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• Community Activities

  • Area 7 President

  • Vice-President of Hospitality DECA Washington

  • Volunteer at St. Andrews Catholic Church

  • Student advocate for CTE at Regional, State, and International levels

  • Student Voice for Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce

  • Young Professionals Networking Program
     

• Hobbies

  • Baking

  • Scrapbooking

  • Violin

  • Spending time with family and friends

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• Next Stop

  • Washington State University

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Tom Jauch
  Melissa is one of the most talented and transformative leaders I’ve known in 17 years of teaching. As DECA President both at Emerald Ridge and Area 7, she transformed our DECA and Student-Based Enterprise programs into models of success. She pioneered "DECA the Halls," securing 30 professionals to judge 100+ presentations, all while winning first place herself. Melissa doesn’t just achieve greatness, she inspires others to reach their goals. Her vision and drive make her truly exceptional.

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Makyla Bolinger

• School Activities

  • Varsity Girls Wrestling

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• Honors

  • 4-year Varsity Letter in Wrestling

  • Academic State Champion, 2024

  • 4A 135 State Champion, 2025

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• Community Activities

  • 100+ hours as Football Manager – 2 years

  • Concession Volunteer for tournaments – 4 years

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• Hobbies

  • Wrestling

  • Self-care

  • Playing video games

  • Watching shows

  • Making art

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• Next Stop

  • Eastern University, Pennsylvania

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by John Morrison
  Makyla is an outstanding student-athlete who exemplifies dedication and leadership. A 2025 WIAA State Champion and two-time state placer, she leads as a two-year team captain, inspiring excellence through example. Makyla balances her athletic achievements with academic excellence, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while taking multiple AP courses. Her strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and passion for both wrestling and academics highlight her commitment to success in every area of her life.

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Kennedy Boyd

• School Activities

  • HOSA Club

  • Key/Interact Service Club

  • Track

  • Knowledge Bowl participant

  • Spanish Club

  • Power Team

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• Honors

  • 3-year Elizabeth Wesley Recipient

  • American Association of University Women Math Scholar

  • Outstanding Academic Achievement – National African American Recognition

  • Outstanding Leadership, Character, and Work Ethic

  • Family and Consumer Services

  • Presidential Education Award

  • Most Well-Rounded Student in AP Human Geography

  • Ferrucci Math Award

  • AP Capstone Candidate

  • AP Scholar with Distinction

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• Community Activities

  • Girl Scouts of Western Washington

  • Daffodil Festival Princess 2025

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• Hobbies

  • Reading

  • Baking

  • Hiking

  • Spending time with family

  • Camping

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• Next Stop

  • Northwestern University

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Rebecca Ogden
  Kennedy is an amazing student and a great choice for ERHS top 20! Kennedy is our school’s ASB president, she was selected as our Daffodil Princess, and she worked diligently to be an AP Capstone Recipient. Kennedy is responsible, has an outstanding work ethic, is engaged during class, and possesses the ability to squeeze 26 hours out of a 24-hour day! It has been my pleasure to have Kennedy in class.

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Hudson Brown

• School Activities

  • DECA

  • FCCLA – Vice-President

  • Baseball

  • Leadership

  • ASB Vice-President (2025)

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• Honors

  • 2nd Team All-SPSL League (2023) – Baseball

  • 1st Team All-SPSL League (2024) – Baseball

  • 2nd Team All-Area – Baseball

  • 2025 Baseball Team Captain

  • 3-year Varsity Letter – Baseball

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• Community Activities

  • Volunteer for Elevate Northwest (Club Baseball)

  • Volunteer Coach for young Catchers (Baseball)

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• Hobbies

  • Ski

  • Play baseball

  • Hang out with my friends

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• Next Stop

  • Wenatchee Valley College

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Ben Muehlenbruch
  Hudson is a dynamic student who excels in both academics and athletics. He leads with determination and skill, extending beyond the field, serving his fellow students as an elected officer and organizing countless school spirit events. Hudson is often the one in front leading during sports contests and assemblies. He shows strong communication skills as he balances a rigorous course load with extracurricular activities, inspiring peers with his dedication and enthusiasm. Taking advantage of all the high school experience has to offer, he has a bright future and will make us all proud.

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Ella Crandall

• School Activities

  • Theatre

  • Swim

  • Class Officer

  • Choir (Chamber and Concert)

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• Honors

  • 3-year Varsity Letter in Swim

  • AP Capstone Diploma candidate

  • 9 Advanced Placement classes

  • 2-year Varsity Letter in Theatre

  • 3-year Varsity Letter in Choir

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• Community Activities

  • Camp Counselor at Camp Seymour

  • Swim Instructor at Rogers Aquatic Center

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• Hobbies

  • Sing

  • Practice guitar

  • Read

  • Crochet

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• Next Stop

  • University of Idaho

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Jason Brinker
  When I think of the word "exceptional," Ella immediately comes to mind. Her kindness radiates to everyone around her, and she tackles every commitment with remarkable dedication and hard work. Whether she's excelling in swimming, captivating audiences on stage, or serving as a leader in our choir, her hard work and positive spirit are evident. With her natural leadership and genuine care for others, she has all the qualities of an outstanding future teacher. Puyallup School District would be fortunate to welcome Ella into their ranks!

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Esperanza Garcia

• School Activities

  • Unified Bowling

  • P.E.

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• Honors

  • ASL

  • Spanish

  • Biology

  • Leadership

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• Community Activities

  • ERHS Unified Sports

  • Volunteer for ERHS activities and events

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• Hobbies

  • Learning about animals

  • Helping others

  • Playing

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• Next Stop

  • Transition Program

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Shelby McGinty
  Esperanza is a shining example of determination and resilience. She consistently goes above and beyond, whether in the classroom or during extracurriculars. Always eager to learn, she embraces new challenges with a positive attitude. Esperanza has explored various new classes and actively participates in the Special Olympics, showing her dedication and sportsmanship. Her enthusiasm and drive to push boundaries inspire others, making her a true role model to her peers and a source of motivation.

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Prince Gill

• School Activities

  • Robotics

  • Science Club

  • Athletics

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• Honors

  • 100+ hour Certificate of Excellence – Volunteering

  • Competitive Science Team

  • AP Calculus BC/AP Stats recognition

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• Community Activities

  • Good Samaritan Volunteer

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• Hobbies

  • Programming

  • Cooking

  • Exercising

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• Next Stop

  • University of Washington

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Nicolette Bender
  Prince is a fearless thinker with a relentless curiosity that drives him to seek knowledge beyond the surface. He has a unique ability to balance seriousness and humor, which creates an engaging classroom environment every day. His leadership in founding the ERHS Science Club shows his dedication to learning and pushing his peers to excel. Above all, his integrity, hard work, and willingness to challenge ideas make him not just a standout student, but an inspiring role model for others.

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Syrus Goar

• School Activities

  • Gay-Straight Alliance

  • Theatre

  • Emerald Vision video

  • Old Lady Social Hour and ASL clubs

  • Technology Student Association

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• Honors

  • 3-year Varsity Letter recipient – Video Productions

  • Honor cords in Technology and Human Resources

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• Community Activities

  • Volunteered at Harborview Medical Center

  • Volunteered in elementary classrooms at both Shaw Road and Hunt

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• Hobbies

  • Drawing

  • Painting

  • Writing stories and poems

  • Researching odd topics and facts

  • Reading books

  • Watching cop dramas and fantasy movies

  • Designing cool characters

  • Knitting and crocheting

  • Listening to music

  • Baking

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• Next Stop

  • Clover Park Technical College

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Brian Carpenter
  Syrus embodies drive, creativity, compassion, and enthusiasm not only in the challenges, projects, and roles she takes on, but in every aspect of life. Her positive energy radiates, making any space, endeavor, or collaboration brighter and more meaningful for everyone involved. She ensures that all have the opportunity to be heard by using her voice and platform to uplift and empower others, making her an ally to anyone she works with.

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Ryden Handsaker

• School Activities

  • Theatre program – Stage Manager

  • Technology Student Association

  • Emerald Vision (Executive Producer – 2 years)

  • ERHS Jazz Band

  • 2025 Daffodil Court Escort

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• Honors

  • Varsity Letter – Speech and Debate

  • 2-year Varsity Letters – Drama

  • AP Capstone candidate

  • AP Scholar of Distinction

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• Community Activities

  • Boy Scouts of America

  • Eagle Scout Candidate

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• Hobbies

  • Contemporary and jazz piano (playing for about 8 years)

  • Scouting – from Cubs to pending Eagle Scout rank

  • Computer programming and engineering projects

  • Rock climbing

  • Camping and hiking

  • Videography

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• Next Stop

  • Washington State University

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Craig Hill
  As an Eagle Scout, Ryden understands the importance of leaving places better than he found them. At Emerald Ridge, he launched Emerald Vision as a sophomore and spent three years refining it for future students. Among the hardest-working students I have known, Ryden excelled as a stage manager, AP scholar, and community servant. Quietly and humbly, he inspired his peers, elevated their performance and, in the process, leaves ER better than he found it.

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Nik Husarik

• School Activities

  • Baseball

  • Football

  • Track and Field

  • ASB Media Director

  • Class President

  • DECA

  • Jesus Club

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• Honors

  • 3-year Varsity: Football, Basketball

  • 2-year Varsity: Track

  • Team Captain: Football

  • Masonic Outstanding Junior Achievement

  • Annie Boulet Cougar Heart Leadership

  • Scholar with Distinction

  • All-SPSL Academic Award - Honorable Mention

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• Community Activities

  • Reach Ministries Homeless Shelter Volunteer

  • Washington Interscholastic Activities Association LEAP Committee

  • ERHS Youth Sports Camp Leader

  • Special Olympics of Washington

  • YoungLife

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• Hobbies

  • Sports

  • Lifting weights

  • Hanging with family and friends

  • Outdoors

  • Piano

  • Creating social media content

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• Next Stop

  • University of Notre Dame

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Jen Murphy
  Nik is the epitome of kindness, resilience, and leadership. With his unwavering determination and humility, he’s consistently inspired those around him to be their best. Whether through his academic success, athletic achievements, or community involvement, Nik’s character shines brightly. His creativity and selflessness have made a lasting impact at ERHS, and his ability to lead with heart sets him apart. Nik’s positive influence and grounded nature are his true legacy that will be remembered at ERHS.

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Moses Johnson

• School Activities

  • Theatre

  • Emerald Vision (news program)

  • TSA Club President

  • Chamber Choir

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• Honors

  • 3-year Varsity Letter in Theatre

  • 2-year Varsity Letter in Video Production

  • AP Capstone Diploma Candidate

  • Sophomore Performer of the Year

  • Junior Performer of the Year

  • 10 AP classes

  • Assistant Director (Fall Play)

  • Principal performer in 6 theatre productions

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• Community Activities

  • Volunteer Set construction – ERHS Theatre Program

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• Hobbies

  • Dungeons & Dragons

  • Video games and friends

  • Cooking

  • Videography

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• Next Stop

  • University of Washington

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Craig Hill
  Moses stands out as a remarkable student, combining academic rigor with a dedication to school culture. As TSA president, a key figure in Theater and Emerald Vision, he exemplifies hard work and initiative. His AP coursework and service demonstrate his passion for learning and leadership. Moses’ intelligence, humor, creativity, and kindness inspire those around him, making him a true gem of Emerald Ridge’s Class of 2025.

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Daniel Lee

• School Activities

  • Piano

  • Orchestra

  • PLU Honor Orchestra

  • Theatre

  • Debate

  • Cross-Country

  • Soccer

  • Track

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• Honors

  • All-State Piano and Cello Solo Winner

  • Winner of Hellen Crowe Snelling Jr. Division

  • WA Seal of Biliteracy

  • AP Capstone Diploma candidate

  • AP Scholar of Distinction

  • Presidential Education Award

  • Varsity Letter – Orchestra and Debate

  • Teammate of the Year

  • MVP – Soccer

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• Community Activities

  • Church Volunteer

  • Worship Team Leader

  • Interact and Key Club Volunteer

  • Korean Christian Choir

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• Hobbies

  • Drawing portraits

  • Creating music covers of Christian songs using piano, guitar, cello, and voice

  • Running during good weather to clear the mind and relax

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• Next Stop

  • Rutgers University

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• Faculty Comment Submitted by Patti McMullan
  Daniel is a remarkable young man whose energy, compassion, and determination set him apart. Whether excelling academically, sharing his musical talent, or leading service initiatives, Daniel consistently demonstrates dedication and positivity. His commitment to service, intellectual curiosity, and resilience distinguishes him from his peers. With an outstanding work ethic and passion, I am confident that Daniel will continue to excel in all he pursues and inspire others, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he encounters.

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Maren Nealon

• School Activities

  • Cross-Country

  • Track

  • Key/Interact Club

  • Band

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• Honors

  • Cross-Country – 4 years Varsity Letter

  • “The Rock” Award

  • Cross-Country Qualifier – 2 years

  • Varsity Letter – Band

  • Solo and Ensemble State Qualifier

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• Community Activities

  • Key/Interact Club President

  • Volunteer for Angel One Food Bank

  • Volunteer for Communities In Schools

  • Volunteer for Metro One Animal Shelter

  • Saxophone Teacher

  • Participant in the Western International Band Clinic

  • Pit Orchestra

  • Selected for band exchange program with Australia – “Pacific Honors Ensemble Program”

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• Hobbies

  • Hiking

  • Running

  • Mountain biking

  • Backpacking

  • Surfing

  • Listening to music

  • Practicing saxophone

  • Talking with friends

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• Next Stop

  • University of Washington
     

• Faculty Comment Submitted by Scott Fry
  Maren is one of the most exceptional students ever! Throughout Maren’s time at ER, she has consistently been high performing academically while being involved in Key Club, athletics and Band! Not only is Maren a great student, but she’s also a great person. Her calm and positive demeanor makes her easy to get along with, and she handles stressful situations with a “let’s do this” attitude. Maren’s tenacity, hard work, kind heart and success have proven she is one of our Outstanding 20!

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