SPS Shout Outs: Students Shine

SPS Shout Outs highlight the incredible achievements of our students and educators across the district—from space-bound experiments and prestigious national scholarship recognition to hands‑on engineering challenges and standout performances in statewide business competitions. These students reflect the innovation, leadership, and dedication that make our district a vibrant community of learners and leaders. Help us celebrate the bright futures our students are building every day! 

2 SPS Seniors Earn Prestigious National Merit Scholarships

Griffin J. Johnson Senior At Cleveland STEM High School

Griffin J. Johnson, a senior at Cleveland STEM High School, received the National Merit Boeing Scholarship. Griffin intends to study nuclear physics and was recognized for his strong performance and commitment to STEM.

Alice Cottrell‑Steen, a senior at Lincoln High School, was selected as a National Merit Bristol Myers Squibb Scholar. Alice plans to pursue a career in chemical engineering and earned this award through her exceptional academic record and achievements.

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Seniors Take a Big Step Toward Tech Futures With $40K Amazon Scholarships

Five Seattle Public Schools seniors from three high schools received the surprise of a lifetime when they were awarded $40,000 scholarships toward their education.   

The Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) Scholarship is awarded to students who plan to study computer science or engineering after high school. The prize comes with a paid internship at Amazon after their freshman year of college. Representatives from Amazon surprised the students at their schools. Most were stunned into silence before bursting into cheers.

The 2026 AFE Scholarship recipients are:

• Alex Wen – Cleveland STEM
• Bill Chen – Cleveland STEM 
• Salah Kassim – Cleveland STEM
• Alan Yuan – Garfield
• Rumi Ince – Roosevelt High School

Amazon Future Engineer is a childhood-to-career initiative designed to inspire and educate millions of students each year from underrepresented and historically underserved communities to build life-changing skills that leverage computer science and coding to bring their dreams to life. Recipients were chosen based on a variety of criteria, including their academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, and financial need.  

Read original post in the May 5, 2026 district news.

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Three SPS Seniors in the Running for Prestigious Scholarship

Bill Chen from Cleveland STEM High School

The Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship—one of the nation’s most competitive awards for high‑achieving students with financial need—provides up to $55,000 per year, along with college advising, mentorship, and academic support.  

Bill Chen from Cleveland STEM High School, Ciel Huntting from Lincoln High School, and Aida Sarr from Rainier Beach High School were selected from thousands of applicants nationwide. Only 500 students advance to the semifinalist and finalist rounds. About 100 scholars are selected for the scholarship each year. Each one of these SPS students carry a story shaped by resilience, leadership, and a profound commitment to their communities. 

Bill Chen is a senior at Cleveland STEM High School, transformed his experience as a first‑generation American into a passion for service. After navigating language barriers and discrimination, he became a community mentor, founded a nonprofit expanding STEM access, and now serves as a Seattle Youth Commissioner dedicated to educational equity. Bill hopes his journey inspires other SPS students to believe in the power of their own stories. 

Ciel Huntting is a senior at Lincoln High School. He is a passionate advocate for queer joy, visibility, and environmental stewardship. He organizes community events celebrating identity and leads habitat restoration projects that strengthen student connection to the environment. As a semifinalist, Ciel hopes to encourage SPS youth to dream boldly and seek out resources that support their academic paths. 

Aida Sarr, known for her leadership and academic drive, serves as President of her school’s (Rainer Beach High School) Black Student Union and as cheer captain. She uplifts others while excelling in the classroom and exploring interests in business, pre‑law, and political science. Aida plans to use her education to create meaningful opportunities and positive change within her community. 

Together, these finalists embody service, leadership, and resilience—qualities that reflect the spirit of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and the bright futures ahead for Seattle students. Read more and updates on the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship page.

As of May 19, 2026