Donovan Adams, Special Olympics Bowling, Baseball, Track

Congratulations to Donovan Adams, a senior at Issaquah High School. He has been nominated as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria.

Rob Enghausen nominated Donovan and writes, “Donovan Adams is an excellent athlete. He competes in Special Olympics bowling, baseball and track. He is a friendly and wonderful person to be around! He is always smiling and making his teammates laugh!” Donovan’s parents add that he “has always been a determined and friendly individual with a prowess for athletics and sportsmanship. He grew up in this area and is fond of competition and adventure.” “He embraces hard work and celebrating with his friends and family. In addition to athletics, he’s quite the performer, singing and dancing his way into the hearts of many with his performance in the musical “Annie” and singing a solo in “God Bless America.” He looks forward to earning his degree at Bellevue College through the Autism Spectrum Navigators program. He has a love for history, videography and performing. Eventually, he wants a show teaching life, adventure and cooking skills as an ambassador for those with Autism.”

Donovan has participated in Special Olympics (SO) basketball and track for four years, and SO Bowling for three years. He has been the SO basketball leading scorer and multiple time SO track gold medalist

In addition to his athletics and maintaining a GPA of 3.0, Donovan is involved in IHS drama and choir programs.

Donovan is an exemplary scholar athlete. His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Donovan, and best of luck in the future!

Erika Lee, Cheer

Congratulations to Erika Lee, a senior at Issaquah High School. She has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria.

IHS Cheer coach Laura Couty nominated Erika and writes, “Erika has been in the IHS cheer team for 4 years, with 3 of them being on the varsity team. Erika was Captain her senior year and did an amazing job. I have seen Erika grow so much in the last 4 years and I am very proud of the leader she has become. Erika will be going to WSU next year and I am confident she will be successful in anything she chooses to do. We will miss her but feel honored to have had 4 years with her.”

Erika is not only active within IHS, but also donates her time to Cycle the Wave (domestic violence awareness), Purple Stride (pancreatic cancer research), Beat the Bridge (diabetes research) and Accelerate the Pace (pediatric cancer research). Erika has also been involved with her church for many years.

Erika is an exemplary scholar athlete. Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Erika, and best of luck in the future!

 Sophie Cohen, Cheer 

Congratulations to Sophie Cohen, a senior at Issaquah High School. She has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria.

IHS Cheer coach Laura Couty nominated Sophie and writes, “Sophie has been on the IHS cheer team for 3 years. Sophie took a leadership role from her first year on the team and has become someone that the rest of the team looks up to and is highly respected. Sophie will be going to Tulane University next year and I am confident she will be successful in anything she chooses to do. We will miss her but feel honored to have had 3 years with her.”

While maintaining a high GPA, Sophie has been involved in activities at school and in the greater Issaquah community. Coach Couty adds, “Sophie is not only active within our school but also donates her time to The Friendship Circle, which involves working with special needs youth and their families. Sophie has dedicated herself to helping these families and making a difference in their lives. Sophie is also a VOICE Mentor and Peer tutor. She has also been involved with Cycle the Wave (domestic violence awareness), Purple Stride (pancreatic cancer research), Beat the Bridge (diabetes research) and Accelerate the Pace (pediatric cancer research).”

Sophie is an exemplary scholar athlete. Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Sophie, and best of luck in the future! 

 Gregory Ketron, Baseball

Congratulations to Gregory Ketron, a senior at Issaquah High School. He has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah baseball coach Rob Reese nominated Gregory and writes, “Gregory is one of our top pitchers at Issaquah HS. He is an outstanding student. He is a bit undersized but outworks everyone on the team. He is having an outstanding senior season.”

Gregory has played baseball at IHS for four years, and while maintaining a GPA of about 3.93. He is also an award-winning trombonist, having just recently won the 2016 Northwest Brass Festival.

Gregory is an exemplary scholar athlete. His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Gregory, and best of luck in the future! 

Bridgette Robertson,  Track

Congratulations to Bridgette Robertson, a senior at Issaquah High School. She been nominated as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria.

Issaquah track coaches Tracy Silva and Mitch Stuard nominated Bridgette and write, “After reviewing all of her accomplishments, including hard work and a source of inspiration for others who want to perform well, and her willingness to mentor the younger and less experienced athletes, we firmly believe that Bridgette is an excellent candidate for this award.”

Bridgette has participated in varsity track for all for years of high school. She was a State participant in the Shot Put as a junior and a districts qualifier in the discus as a sophomore. She won the National High School Scholar Athlete Award in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and has been an Honor Society member. She was a recipient of the Service Before Self Award in 2012.  

While maintaining a GPA of about 3.93, Bridgette has been active in many activities at IHS and in the community. She was a peer tutor in English, Spanish, Math, Science and History in 2014 and 2015. She was a Key Club member and Cycle the Wave volunteer from 2013 to 2015, and an Issaquah Salmon Days and Kiwanis Auction volunteer in 2014 and 2015. In the wider Issaquah community, Bridgette was a University of Washington Medical Center Teen Volunteer in 2015, a Forgotten Children’s Fund volunteer from 2008 to 2015, and a youth soccer coach in Spring 2015.

Bridgette is an exemplary scholar athlete. Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Bridgette, and best of luck in the future!

 Elliot Tan,  Track

Congratulations to Elliot Tan, a senior at Issaquah High School. He has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria.

Issaquah track coaches Tracy Silva and Mitch Stuard nominated Elliot and write, “We are pleased to recommend Elliot for this award. He is dependable, hard working and his willingness to give unselfishly of his time to assist others makes him a deserving candidate.”

Elliot has been a 4-year participant in Track and Field as a 110m/300m hurdler. He was the 14^th all-time finisher in the 300m, and the 23^rd all-time 110m school hurdler. He was an IHS football team member, playing safety, wide receiver and special teams.   Outside of athletics, Elliot was a High School Sports Medicine All-American award winner. He was an active sports medicine student and intern and co-founder of the General Medicine Club.

In addition to athletics, Elliot maintained a GPA of about 3.35 while working as a waiter at the Teapot Vegetarian House and acting as a YMCA Global Teen Youth Ambassador.

Elliot is an exemplary scholar athlete. His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Elliot, and best of luck in the future!

 Emily Chun,  Golf

Congratulations to Emily Chun, a senior at Issaquah High School. She has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria.

Issaquah Golf Coach Tom Bakamus nominated Emily and writes, “Emily has been a valuable member of our team all 4 years. She leads by example and is willing to help younger players anytime they ask. She has been the captain the last 2 years for good reason and makes my job a lot easier. It is hard to believe with all her outside activities how much she dedicates herself to improve and help the team. She is willing to listen to any feedback and put in the extra effort to succeed.”   Emily has qualified for State for 3 years and is waiting for qualifying in May for this year. She has been an honorable mention and 1^st Team Kingco, as well as being voted Most Valuable and Most Inspirational by her teammates.

While maintaining a GPA of 3.97 taking many AP classes, Emily has been very active outside of academics. She has been in the Evergreen Philharmonic Orchestra from 2015 to the present, Marching Band from 2012 to the present, and a member of the Evergreen Awktet (Octet) this year. She has been a member of the National Honor Society from 2014 until the present, and Key Club and Ukulele Club since 2012.

In the wider Issaquah community, Emily was a member of the Serving Our Society Organization, which is a local volunteer group founded and run by students, from 2012-2105.

Emily is an exemplary scholar athlete. Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulation, Emily, and best of luck in the future!

 Tatum Dow,  Fastpitch, Basketball

Congratulations to Tatum Dow, a senior at Issaquah High School. She has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Fast Pitch coach, Ron Hatlen, nominates Tatum and writes, “Tatum Dow is a shining example of a true student athlete. She is a leader on and off the field, she leads not only in words but by example. She does whatever is needed to help the team, even to the potential disadvantage of her personal accolades. She is a great person and a deserving recipient of this award. She was also captain of the basketball team, which shows her leadership ability both to coaches and players.” Tatum was the first unanimous selection for captain by all returning and existing players this year. She was injured in one of the last games of her sophomore basketball season and was unable to play Fastpitch. Despite this, she still attended practices and games doing what she could to help her team.

Tatum participated in Girls’ Fastpitch for 4 years on Varsity, and 4 years of basketball. She was captain 2 years for the second team, an honorable mention at all-Kingco, and a scholar athlete all 4 years of high school.

At IHS, Tatum was in Advanced Sports Medicine and Varsity Basketball.

While maintaining a GPA of about 3.5, Tatum has been a youth basketball and baseball coach, assisted in running youth sports clinics, was on the Relay for Life Team, and worked babysitting.

Tatum is an exemplary scholar athlete. Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Tatum, and best of luck in the future!

Alex Sun, Boys Swim & Dive

Congratulations to Alex Sun, a senior at Issaquah High School. He has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Swim and Dive coach, Laura Halter, nominated Alex and writes, “Alex is currently serving as one of the captains for the Issaquah High School Boys swim and dive team. He is a fine example in and out of the pool as a student, an athlete, a volunteer and a wonderful friend and citizen of our community. The Issaquah Boys Swim and Dive team is immensely proud to have Alex as a member of their team!”

Alex has qualified for Kingco and District all 4 years of his career and has earned a varsity letter all 4 years. Alex has also been selected to be a member of the state team all four years. He was recently nominated by the coaches of the league to be on the All-Kingco Honorable Mention team.

He maintains a very high GPA and has been an AP Honors scholar. He is also a National Merit Scholar semi-finalist.

Outside of swimming and school, Alex has become a very accomplished pianist earning numerous awards for many years. He has used his talents and interests to serve his community as a volunteer at Swedish Hospital, and as a volunteer pianist at retirement homes. He also works as a private piano accompanist as well as a private swim instructor.

Alex is an exemplary scholar athlete. His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Alex, and best of luck in the future!

Dane Mui, Boys Basketball

Congratulations to Dane Mui, a senior at Issaquah High School. He has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria.

IHS Basketball coach, Jason Griffith, nominated Dane and writes, “Dane has defined “Scholar Athlete” at the highest level in the past four years. He has flourished on and off the court. When you think of a role model for young men in our community, Dane certainly lives up to any set of expectations.”

Dane has participated in the IHS basketball program for four years, and is a 2-year varsity letter winner for a state-ranked team. He is a four-year scholar athlete, and went to State for DECA in the 2014-2015 school year.

In addition to maintaining a stellar GPA of 3.953 and taking many honors and AP classes, Dane is a valuable member of the Issaquah community. He is a SOMA youth group member, and has engaged in various community service events like feeding the homeless and participating in clothing drives.

Dane is an exemplary scholar athlete. His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Dane, and best of luck in the future!

Kacie Moorehouse, Girls Wrestling

Congratulations to Kacie Moorehouse, a senior at Issaquah High School. She has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria.

Wrestling coach, Kirk Hyatt, nominated Kacie and writes: “This year, competing at nationals, she took 5^th place, and that qualifies her as an All-American. She has only boys to wrestle in our room and has become a valuable asset to our team.”

Kacie has been involved in many sports during her high school years. At Franklin Pierce High, she participated in swim and dive from 2012 to 2013, track in the 2013 – 2014 school year and wrestling from 2011 until 2014. In Issaquah, she was in cross country from 2014 to 2015, and wrestling from 2014 until the present.

She has received many awards for wrestling over the years. Kacie has accomplished the following : 1^st Freestyle 2013, 2014, and 2015, 3^rd Folkstyle, 3^rd Cadet Freestyle Nationals, and 5^th Junior Freestyle Nationals 2014, 5^th Junior Folkstyle Nationals and 6^th in Junior Freestyle Nationals in 2015, all in Washington State. She was recognized as Outstanding Wrestler in the Lady Lipstick Open. Kacie entered 3 all-female tournaments, took first place in all, and is currently undefeated.

In addition to athletics, Kacie is a valuable member of the IHS community and tutors children daily at Sunset Elementary.

Lauren Longo, Girls Basketball

Congratulations to Lauren Longo, a senior at Issaquah High School. She has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Basketball coach, Nicole Reid, nominated Lauren and writes, “Lauren was a four-year varsity basketball player and has been a co-captain for two years. Lauren is a natural leader and she strives for excellence in everything she does. She is a great player, friend and teammate. Lauren is one of the most disciplined players that I have ever had the pleasure of coaching both on and off the court. She has spent hours diligently working to not only become one of the best basketball players in the program, but also an incredible student. Lauren plans to play basketball in college as she studies to become a doctor.”

In addition to four years of basketball, Lauren participated in girls’ soccer for two years. She won All-Kingco Honorable Mention in the 2014 – 2015 season.

While maintaining a GPA of 3.99, Lauren has also been a valuable member of the greater Issaquah community. She has participated in Relay for Life, and the Strong for Sam Club.

 Lauren is an exemplary scholar athlete. Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Lauren, and best of luck in the future!

Michaela Knollman, Gymnastics

Congratulations to Michaela Knollman, a senior at Issaquah High School. She has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria.

Issaquah gymnastics coach, Ryan Fleischer, nominated Michaela and writes, Michaela has been a 4-year varsity member of our team. She has been a stand out gymnast, improving each year. Not only is she a competitive gymnast, she is also active in the community. Michaela is a hard worker, and a dedicated and strong leader. Michaela has really excelled this year after being injured part of the season last year… she came back stronger. She is a kind-hearted, thoughtful young lady and has been an important asset to our team. She also keeps us laughing in the gym… she has a great sense of humor. She will be greatly missed next year.”

In her four years in Issaquah Gymnastics, Michaela has lettered every year. She was a Student of the Month in 2013.

While maintaining a GPA of 3.2 Michaela has participated in many IHS activities, such as Key Club, SIFF Club, Eagle Crew and Traffic Court. Outside of school, Michaela has participated in Cycle the Wave, is a teacher’s assistant at Sunday school, has been a Vasa Park Camp Counselor and has worked with special needs children at the Hamlin Robinson School.   In 2014, she went to the Dominican Republic to help build houses and latrines. She also works at Pac Sun.

Michaela is an exemplary scholar athlete. Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Michaela, and best of luck in the future!

Jacob Brueckman, Boys Cross Country

Congratulations to Jacob Brueckman, a senior at Issaquah High School. He has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

IHS Cross Country coach, Gwen Robertson, nominated Jacob and writes, “Jacob has been instrumental in creating an inviting atmosphere on the cross country team for incoming freshman. Over the last three years, he has organized current athletes to go to middle school meets and ask 8^th graders to consider turning out for cross country once they reach the high school. Jacob has been the lead contact for summer training. He communicates with the new and returning boys during the summer months and encourages and works with the incoming freshmen.”

Jacob has been in cross country and received a varsity letter for 4 years. He has also received a varsity letter for 3 years in track. He was a State Meet qualifier as a junior in cross country and a District and State Meet qualifier as a junior in track and field.

In addition to athletics, Jacob has been an ASB officer for two years and a 2-year member and president of Eagle Crew. While maintaining a GPA of about 3.3, he is also an active volunteer in the community, helping with the Issaquah Schools Foundation and volunteering with Parks and Recreation as a volunteer for the Issaquah Gliders Track and Cross Country Team.

Jacob is an exemplary scholar athlete. His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Jacob, and best of luck in the future!

Rachel Herbst, Girls Swim & Dive

Congratulations to Rachel Herbst, a senior at Issaquah High School. She has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Swim and Dive coach Laura Halter nominated Rachel and writes: “Currently serving as captain of her team, Rachel is a perfect example of sportsmanship, hard work, dedication and enthusiasm. She leads by example in and out of the pool and is greatly admired by her teammates. As her coach of many years, it has been a real pleasure to be a part of her life. She is truly an amazing young lady!”

Rachel has been on the swim team all 4 years of her high school career. She has been a District Qualifier 3 times. She has also been a scholar athlete (school award) all four years. Rachel was recently nominated as a Kingco Scholar Athlete (senior award by the league), and she has earned one JV letter and 3 varsity letters.

Rachel has been an active athlete while maintaining a GPA of 3.88. She has been in National Honor Society for two years. Having a unique talent for art and film, she has been involved in I-vision at IHS and has placed in contests involving art and video, including the “Influence the Choice” video contest and the “Principles Art Collection.”

Outside of school, Rachel has served as a math tutor and volunteers at Eastside Baby Corner. She works as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Edgebrook pool, preparing more girls for IHS Swim and Dive.

Rachel is an exemplary scholar athlete. Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. We want to congratulate Rachel and wish her the best of luck in the future!

Pranav Shah, Boys Golf

Congratulations to Pranav Shah, a senior at Issaquah High School. He has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Golf Coach, Tom Bakamus, nominated Pranav and writes, “I have coached Pranav for 4 years. He has been a valuable member of the team, both on and off the course. He was always willing to help the younger kids, sort of my assistant coach while he was playing. He demonstrated a great desire to improve, while also being a role model on the course. Pranav was well liked on the team as well as throughout the league, and I think would represent the Issaquah High Boys golf team well if he were to receive this award.”

Pranav has been on the golf team for 4 years and a varsity player the last 3 years. He earned an honorable mention at All-Kingco this year.

In addition to athletics, Pranav is successful academically. He has been a JSA (Junior State of America) member his last 3 years of school. He has also been a finalist in the 2014 Area 4 DECA competition in State the last 2 years. He has hopes of making the international competition this year.

In the wider Issaquah community, Pranav has a black belt in martial arts and is a Level 3 member of Storm, which is a group of volunteer instructors that teach other students and helps out in other classes. He was a member of Tie Young Entrepreneurs where he helped create new or innovative products or services from the ground up and presented ideas to real angel investors. His team placed 4^th at the Seattle competition. He was also involved in IAWW Youth Board, helping plan small events and a 5-day 4-night camp for almost 200 kids.

Pranav is an exemplary scholar athlete. His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Pranav, and best of luck in the future!