The Rotary Club of Issaquah is starting a youth service club known as Interact (AKA International-Action) for 9-12 grade students…
Established in 2013, the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board assists with the community-building work of Highlands Council, providing youth a voice in community matters.
Upcoming HY Events
The following HY events are open to the public; some events are for designated age groups only.
About the HY
How are HY board members selected?
Each spring, HY board members are selected through a rigorous application and interview process to fill 12 middle school and 12 high school spots for the following school year. HY board members must reapply to the board annually, although past contributions are taken into consideration during the application process.
How is the HY board organized?
The HY board is divided between middle school and high school students. Each group is mentored by Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council community program manager and acting director, who is assisted by community volunteers. Most activities are separated by and appropriate for the age and maturity of the members. Some activities and service projects are joint endeavors, such as the Highlands Day festival, Parents Night Out events, and community art projects.
How do middle school HY board members contribute?
Middle school HY board members plan social and service project events for middle school peers and elementary-age students, learning event planning and social hosting skills. HY middle school members act as role models for elementary students and high school HY members mentor middle school members.
How do high school HY board members contribute?
High school HY board members focus on leadership and life skills development for themselves and their peers in the community. In addition to monthly planning meetings and special events, HY board high school members will rotate attendance of community organization board and committee meetings to develop a sense of community priorities and how they can use their voices in support of, or to impact change, in Issaquah Highlands and areas of their personal passions. HY board high school members are expected to attend community-wide town hall meetings and represent the youth of Issaquah Highlands at city council meetings when agenda items directly impact the quality of life in the Issaquah Highlands community.
2021-2022 High School Members

Joseph Bone-Mazák
Grade 10
HY Board Co-President

Sophia Hashmey
Grade 12
HY Board Co-President

Ryan Aby
Grade 9

Nicole de los Reyes
Grade 9

Cash Mendoza
Grade 9

Arya Mahajan
Grade 10

Ethan Hunter
Grade 11

Vernika Jain
Grade 11

Quinn Ryan
Grade 11

Colin Yuen
Grade 11

Sage Cowan
Grade 12

Anika Mehta
Grade 12
2021-2022 Middle School Members

Asher Pinkston
Grade 8
HY Board Co-President

Grace Rich
Grade 8
HY Board Co-President

Neal Coppa
Grade 6

Riley Evans
Grade 6

Lane MacDougall
Grade 6

Lily Pinkston
Grade 6

Maia Esbensen
Grade 7

Vaibhav Alaparthi
Grade 8

Sydney Evans
Grade 8

Saira Hashmey
Grade 8

Jaya Sathi
Grade 8

Akshadha Seshamani
Grade 8
Recent News

HY 2022 Grads, In Their Own Words: Sophia Hashmey

HY 2022 Grads, In Their Own Words: Anika Mehta

Apply for the HY: Create Meaningful Experiences & Lasting Memories
Apply to Join the 2022-2023 HY Board!
Highlands Council invites residents who will be in seventh through 12th grade in the 2022-2023 school year to apply for a position on the HY Board! Apply online (via Survey Monkey). As a resource, download our question guide to help prepare your answers prior to completing the online application. Questions? Contact Lindsey Pinkston, Highlands Council acting director and community program manager. Applications are due by May 1.