Eight incoming juniors from around the state of Washington, including Eddie Rojas from Lake Washington High School, were recently selected to join the WIAA LEAP (Leadership through Education Activities and Personal Development) Committee, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) announced June 21.

Committee members will have the unique opportunity to represent the voice of Washington’s 225,000-plus high school student participants.

Rojas completed a thorough application process which included an online application, a short essay explaining why athletics and activities are important, three letters of recommendation, and a video personal statement about their school and why they he should be selected. This year had a record number of applicants with over 110 total submissions. The new Committee members will serve a two-year term, joining eight seniors who just finished their first term during the 2015-16 school year.

“The WIAA LEAP Committee has become a priority of the Association to make sure the voice of the students is heard,” WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese said.

2016-17 will mark the 10th school year of the LEAP Committee. Members of the Committee collectively represent each of the WIAA’s six classifications and nine districts. The group is scheduled to meet five times throughout the 2016-17 school year. Meetings consist of guest speakers, leadership exercises, peer discussions, and group projects. Committee members will attend a retreat in August during the summer before their senior year. The retreat combines physical outdoor adventures and team building exercises, while evaluating the previous year and providing opportunity for goal-setting for the upcoming year.

In addition to attending the five meetings and the retreat, each student is required to write a blog about their school that is highlighted on the WIAA website and social media streams during each year they are on the Committee. The students also plan and implement the Coins for a Cause Fundraiser that raises money for Special Olympics Washington and InvestED at State Basketball and State Football.

The first meeting of the 2016-17 school year is scheduled for Sept. 18.