January 22, 2008

Contact:		Shannon Parthemer, Community Relations & Communications Coordinator (425) 702-3300
		Brad Malloy, Principal, Lake Washington High School (425) 828-3371

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kirkland, Wash. – Lauren Martinez and Ashley Russell, Lake Washington High School seniors and members of the Lake Washington National Honor Society, have been nominated to compete in the National Honor Society (NHS) scholarship sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Brad Malloy, the principal of Lake Washington High School, today announced the nomination, which places Martinez and Russell in the national competition. Two hundred national NHS winners will be chosen this spring to receive $1,000 college scholarships.

High School National Honor Society chapters from across the country were eligible to nominate two senior high members to compete. Nominees were selected based on the basis of their leadership skills; participation in service organizations and clubs; achievements in the arts and sciences; employment experience; and academic record. They also were required to write an essay.

“Students nominated for the NHS scholarship not only demonstrate academic excellence but also excel in the areas of service, leadership and character,” said Rocco Marano, director, NHS. In recognizing leadership in co-curricular activities as well as academic performance, the NHS scholarship recognizes the importance of a well-rounded education. Co-curricular activities are an essential part of the school curriculum.

While at Lake Washington High School, Martinez has maintained a 4.0 GPA and a member of the National Honor Society since 2005. An accomplished dancer, an outstanding student and an extraordinary leader, Lauren has demonstrated a depth of maturity in all her endeavors. Over the years she has served in numerous positions requiring heavy commitments of time, and intense physical and emotional energy. Sophomore class senator, junior class president, drill team co-captain are just a few of the roles in which Lauren has served as an outstanding model of team leadership and dedicated to her peers.

Ms. Russell maintains a 4.0 GPA and has been a member of the National Honor Society since 2005. An accomplished tennis and soccer player, a talented musician and a brilliant student, Ashley has a genuine compassion for others, finding time for volunteer activities, as well. She is an outstanding mathematician and has been recognized as such in both the American Mathematics Competition of 2006, and as a USAA National Mathematics Award Winner in 2007. Ms. Russell plans to attend the University of Washington.

The National Honor Society (NHS) and the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation’s premier organizations recognizing outstanding middle level and high school students who demonstrate excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character. NHSTM and NJHSTM are programs of NASSP. NASSP - the preeminent organization and national voice for middle level and high school leaders –is also the parent organization of the National Association of Student Councils (NASC), which promotes and provides leadership development opportunities to prepare and empower students to serve their schools and communities. For more information, visit www.nhs.us.

About Lake Washington: Lake Washington School District is the sixth largest district in the state of Washington. It has more than 23,000 students in 49 schools located in Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington.

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