EDMONDS — “Sometimes, in between seasons, you get to relax.”
Edmonds-Woodway senior Kiera Towell explained the breaks in her busy schedule, which are few and far between. Towell, who plays soccer and competes in track and field for the Warriors, was one of seventeen incredibly busy student-athletes who found time to be honored Wednesday night at the 14th annual Edmonds School District Scholar-Athlete and Coach/Community Recognition Banquet at Edmonds-Woodway High School.
Towell won a scholarship award of $3,500. The senior served as a captain for both teams her senior year and helped the Warriors soccer team to a 3A state championship — the first-ever girls team state title in school history — as the goalkeeper for Edmonds-Woodway, where she posted 14 shutouts this past season. She was an all-state first-team selection for soccer.
The state title was one of the highlights of Towell’s high school career.
“That was pretty amazing,” she said. “I didn’t really expect it going in and then as we started the season it looked like we could win it. And we did! It’s just one of the best experiences of my life.”
Off the field, Towell volunteers with Relay for Life and Food for Thought, an organization that raises money for students who cannot afford food, as well as tutors other Edmonds-Woodway students.
“I just want to help out people where I can,” Towell said. “I know that I’m a bit more fortunate than most people so I want to be able to help those that don’t have the same opportunities that I’ve had.”
After graduating with a 3.97 grade-point average, Towell will attend the University of Pennsylvania in the fall, where she will continue her soccer career while working toward a degree in engineering.
Towell shared the secret to her success.
“Don’t procrastinate on your homework,” Towell said with a laugh. “And make sure that you enjoy what you’re doing. That’s what will drive you to work harder.”
Meadowdale’s Griffin Over was the night’s top winner, taking home a $4,000 scholarship. The senior from Meadowdale was a captain for both the basketball and soccer teams. He coordinated this year’s Coaches vs. Cancer basketball fundraiser for the Mavericks that brought in over $6,000 for the American Cancer Society.
“For sports, I love playing them. I love all my teammates and they motivate me to get better,” Over said. “Academically, it’s just looking at the future and seeing what opportunities will open up from valuing my education. Then with service, it’s just seeing how I can benefit the community, knowing that I grew up in a very privileged environment and I should take that and use that to help others.”
On top of all his athletic accomplishments, Over maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and is the Valedictorian for the Meadowdale Class of 2015. His next challenge will be the University of Notre Dame, where he will study finance or sociology.
“I’m going to miss (high school), but I’m very excited,” Over said. “I’m excited to go watch Notre Dame football and enjoy everything they have on campus. But I’ll also miss all my friends. South Bend is a long way away. I’ll definitely miss high school too.”
In all, 17 athletes were given over $40,000 in scholarships. In the 14 years of the banquet about 250 students have been awarded almost $400,000.
Along with Over, Meadowdale honored student-athletes Rory Kirkpatrick, Ciarra Hart and Taylor Monroe-Jones.
Towell, Marc Campagnaro, Nick Venema, Hanna Rehnfeldt and Kelvin Dankwa were the student-athletes chosen from Edmonds-Woodway. Mountlake Terrace’s honorees included Conrad Bratz, Alisha Clingan, Allison Lorraine and Taron Castleton.
Lynnwood celebrated Cristi Phan, Tyler McArthur, Desiree Graham and Andrew Katzenberger.
“It’s a great night. I feel really honored to be out here with such intelligent and great athletes,” said Katzenberger, who received a $3,000 award. “It’s just a great environment with great people. It’s a lot of fun.”
Honorees
Lynnwood — Athletes: Cristi Phan, Tyler McArthur, Desiree Graham, Andrew Katzenberger. Community member: Connie Schmidt and Julee McArthur. Coach: Keauntea Bankhead.
Edmonds-Woodway — Athletes: Marc Campagnaro, Nick Venema, Hanna Rehnfeldt, Kelvin Dankwa, Kiera Towell. Community member: Rich and Debbie Alseth. Coach: Nicole Bordeaux.
Mountlake Terrace — Athletes: Conrad Bratz, Alisha Clingan, Allison Lorraine, Taron Castleton. Community member: Tara Zuehl. Coach: Ashley Dawson.
Meadowdale — Athletes: Rory Kirkpatrick, Ciarra Hart, Taylor Monroe-Jones, Griffin Over. Community member: Michelle Evans. Coach: Andrew Matty.
Director’s Award — Ken Allen
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