Kirk Park resident Arya Mahajan is graduating from Issaquah High School this spring! He has spent the last four years on the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board and served as co-president his senior year. After graduation, he plans to attend St. Louis University and study health management on the pre-med track, with a minor in public health and biology.
Here are some of Arya’s biggest takeaways from the last four years on the HY Board:
Arya helped organize the Global Grub & Groove in celebration of Indian culture in summer 2023.
The HY Board has taught me more than just how to plan and lead – it has opened many doors into endless possibilities by teaching me invaluable lessons and providing me with the best experiences.
My time with the HY Board has been thrilling to say the least. I have met so many great people, made meaningful connections, and have learned a lot.
The HY Board holds members to high standards. I had applied twice in middle school, and I was rejected both times. However, during my freshman year of high school, I decided that I would make the board. I prepared for hours, thinking about all the possible questions, and compiling a 10-minute summary of my life’s work in leadership, volunteering and service.
Arya shares a few announcements during the Flashlight Egg Hunt.
After my interview, I received the exciting news that I got in! This taught me perseverance, which was the first lesson that I learned from the HY Board. I learned that even though something might seem impossible, if you stick with it and try your best, it will eventually pan out.
I also gained a new sense of confidence from being on the board. By interacting with my community, and even those outside my community, I felt more confident in my ability to collaborate and communicate with others.
Arya (right) and Ryan set up their station during Treats & Tails.
In addition, I felt every year I was contributing more within the board. This led me to run for president, as I felt I wanted to make a difference on a larger level. After writing my speech and explaining to the board why I should serve on the executive team, I was elected co-president alongside Ryan Aby!
Serving as co-president really helped me gain a sense of confidence in my leadership abilities. The best part of being president was seeing my work as a leader positively impact my community through so many fun and interactive events.
I feel being on the youth board has really prepared me for my next chapter in college. I have learned not only how to be an active member of my community, but also how to make a sustainable difference. 
In college, I know I’ll have even more opportunities to make an impact on my community, and I plan to use the lessons I learned from the HY Board to make tangible differences.
Arya is a senior at Issaquah High School and a Kirk Park resident.
Now Accepting 2024-2025 HY Board Applications
The HY Board is now accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Ideal candidates are motivated, outgoing, creative, and dedicated to making our community better. Candidates must live in Issaquah Highlands and be entering seventh through 12th grade in fall 2024. The deadline for application submissions is April 30.
Top applicants will be invited to a personal interview for final consideration. Click here for more information and application details.
Submit Your Free Graduation Announcement!
Highlands Council seeks graduation announcements for publication in the summer 2023 issue of Connections. At this time, we are seeking announcements for graduates from high school, college, and technical/trade schools.
To be featured, graduation announcements must be submitted by May 31, 2023. Be sure to select “Graduation” in the announcement form to provide all the relevant information for your announcement. Click here to submit your free announcement.
