It is with great pleasure and pride that I announce Grand Ridge Drive resident Ryan Aby as our 2024 Volunteer of the Year in Issaquah Highlands! As a student leader deeply engaged in our community, Ryan stands out for his commitment to serving others, evidenced through countless hours of dedicated service. He is a natural leader with a passion for volunteerism, creative problem-solving and personal growth.
I first met Ryan when we were working at the Game On! Highlands Day in 2019. I could see right away that he was a diligent worker, always stepping up to offer help without being asked, and rallying other youth to volunteer as well.
For the past six years, I have had the pleasure of working with Ryan as he served on the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board. Now a senior at Issaquah High School, he is serving in his third consecutive year as a co-president of the HY Board, as elected by his peers. His role as co-president requires strong planning and organizational skills, effective delegation, and the ability to lead by example and inspire his peers. He utilizes this leadership platform to guide and empower fellow teenagers in coordinating events, engaging the community and managing high-pressure situations.
As a president of the HY Board, Ryan has helped shape the board by reviewing applications and leading the peer interview process for potential members. He excels at putting people at ease while identifying their personal strengths.
In summer 2023, in addition to serving on the planning committee, Ryan stepped up to co-emcee our Global Grub & Groove event celebrating Indian Independence Day. Over the past two years, he has attended multiple Highlands Council Board of Trustees meetings, representing the HY Board and reporting on the latest youth happenings to community stakeholders and residents. He has also volunteered as a contributing writer for our media.
Ryan was previously honored as the inaugural recipient of the Issaquah Highlands Youth Leadership Award in 2023, which was established to recognize teens who go above and beyond in leading their peers through community-building efforts.
In addition to his commitment to community leadership, Ryan combined his spirit of service with his passion for coding to help streamline our volunteer process. This past summer, he partnered with a friend to develop an application for Highlands Council that would help achieve our mission of building community in Issaquah Highlands by creating a custom program for volunteer sign ups and tracking. After initiating several meetings to gauge our needs, they presented a timeline and execution plan for a user-friendly website that would help us to manage our volunteers. We’re excited to test the new platform in early 2025.
Ryan approaches volunteering with his heart. When talking about this community that he loves, he exudes passion and joy. Not once has he asked me what he will get out of volunteering, or if he will get credit for the work. He truly finds joy in serving and giving back to his community, making it a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.
Congratulations, Ryan! Your dedication to our community is truly inspiring.
Photos: From event planning to community building, Ryan Aby’s six years on the HY Board showcase his dedication, leadership and passion for making a difference in Issaquah Highlands.
What They’re Saying About Ryan
“I knew Ryan was going to make a fine leader and bring positive impact to Issaquah Highlands long before he was even old enough to apply for the HY Board. His enthusiasm to offer assistance at community events, persistence to participate in planning events, and positive example setting for his peers has been consistent and impressive. This honor is earned. Congratulations, Ryan—
I am so proud of you!”
Christy Garrard
Visit Issaquah Executive Director, Former HY Board Mentor
“Our Youth Board has flourished over the past three years thanks to Ryan’s exceptional leadership. The Highlands Council Board of Trustees deeply values his dedication, inspiring inclusivity, and remarkable commitment to fostering a sense of community. Ryan’s passion and service have not only strengthened our youth board but have left a lasting, positive impact on our entire community.”
Kashif Zahoor
Highlands Council Board of Trustees, President
“Ryan has been an enthusiastic member of our cross-country team for four years. His joy of the sport is evident in his leadership as a squad leader, encouraging teammates, and the fun he has running with his friends.”
Liza Rickey
Head Cross Country Coach, Issaquah High School
“It was a pleasure to grow together and serve as co-president of the HY Board with Ryan. He always brought great energy to our meetings, constantly showing up with a smile and a positive attitude. Ryan is also very hardworking and proactive, and he’d always show up ready to work no matter the occasion. The quality I admire most in Ryan is his organizational skills, as he would always be ahead of the curve when planning and executing events.”
Arya Mahajan
2023-24 HY Board Co-President, Current College Freshman at St. Louis University
As published in the winter 2025 issue of Community Connect magazine.
Inspired to get involved in our community?
Getting more involved in our community is a fun and easy way to meet people and contribute to the participatory culture of Issaquah Highlands. From community boards and committees to community groups and events, volunteer opportunities are always available.
