Reflections from Graduating Seniors on the Highlands Youth (HY) Advisory Board

Congratulations to our 2025 graduating seniors—Aarushi Katyal, Lexi Yuen, Nicole de los Reyes and Ryan Aby!

We celebrate your achievements and thank you for your commitment to making a difference in our community. No matter where your next adventures take you, we hope you’ll always call Issaquah Highlands home—and maybe even return to volunteer and mentor the next generation of HY leaders!

Aarushi Katyal

“Being part of the HY taught me to speak up and take on leadership roles. I remember the day I ran for secretary and gave my speech. That was probably the loudest I ever spoke. The experience gave me the confidence to step into responsibilities and make decisions that impacted others.

Over the past two years, I’ve improved my skills in public speaking, organization, teamwork and problem-solving. As secretary, I learned to manage information efficiently, making sure that our initiatives stayed on track.

I have truly enjoyed my time on the HY Board, engaging in community service and helping others. Moving forward into college and beyond, I hope to stay involved in community activities and continue making a positive difference in people’s lives, both directly and indirectly. Serving on the board gave me a strong sense of belonging and showed me the value of meaningful conversations and connections. I will always appreciate these experiences and carry the lessons I’ve learned with me as I move forward in life.

My message to the remaining HY board members is keep pushing forward! The board is there to help you make a tangible impact on the community. No matter how small or big, your actions can create real change. Stay engaged, take initiative and don’t be afraid to bring new ideas to the table.

Lexi Yuen

One of the most important things I’ve learned during my time on the HY Board is how to lead with confidence. I had moments over the years when I doubted if I could do a good job, but with such an encouraging environment and friends, I learned to believe in my skills and place on the HY Board.

This confidence led me to run for president last year. The skills I’ve gained here have been invaluable, and I will forever be grateful for how much I’ve been able to grow.

While everyone on the board knows how to get the job done well, at the end of the day, we’re all still learning and growing. Members join based on their potential to be great leaders, but true growth happens through active participation on the HY Board. No one is expected to lead perfectly—it’s about learning from past experiences, developing skills and strengths, and discovering leadership together with your peers.

As I graduate this spring, I hope I’ve been not just a strong president, but also a supportive peer and friend. I think the best way to lead is by inspiring others to take action, while also creating a safe space where they feel empowered to try, learn and grow. Everyone shows a lot of potential to thrive as leaders and I hope I’ve been able to foster that spark for each of them.

Nicole de los Reyes

Being part of the HY Board has been an unforgettable experience that has greatly influenced who I am. It’s helped me grow in ways I never expected, teaching me valuable lessons about leadership, collaboration and the importance of community.

Since joining, I’ve learned a lot about leadership, community and the power of working together. I discovered how important it is to listen, be patient and collaborate. Being involved with such a
diverse group taught me that leadership isn’t just about being in charge—it’s about hearing everyone’s ideas, appreciating different perspectives and building something together.

At first, I wasn’t sure how such a small team could make an impact, but as we worked together and saw our ideas come to life, I realized that when we all contribute, share and support each other, our voices can make a positive difference.

One of my favorite parts of being on the board was planning events that brought people together and made them feel welcome. The relationships and memories I formed with my fellow board members made everything even more meaningful. I learned that real success doesn’t just come from completing a task—it comes from building connections with others who share the same vision and working together to make it a reality.

My experience on the HY Board has been so much fun and has truly boosted my self-confidence. If you are considering joining the HY board, I encourage you to do so. Not only will the memories last a lifetime, but the skills you will gain from being on the board will serve you well and set you up for success in the future.

Ryan Aby

During my tenure on the HY Board, I learned an unbelievable amount about what it means to be a “community builder.” Behind the fun events in Blakely Hall and the huge celebrations in Village Green Park, each event takes hours of meticulous planning, set up and organization.

People volunteer countless hours without being recognized or rewarded—for the singular purpose of making a positive impact on the community. I got to see and be part of this endless stream of tasks which led up to every event, including the less flashy yet equally important duties in the background which allowed us on the HY Board to fulfill our mission.

My message for the future of the HY Board is to keep it fun! The original purpose of the board was to give youth in Issaquah Highlands a place to hang out with their friends, meet new people and have fun. So, while it can be easy to get caught up in logistics or your numerous responsibilities as members of the HY Board, remember why you’re there in the first place, and keep the happy spirit alive.

I hope the HY Board can continue being a space for inspired youth to grow their leadership skills and spread positivity. The HY Board helped me to realize my love for community, and come into my own as a leader and peer. I also want the HY Board to continue being a safe space for our youth. Whether you’re new to the community or a lifelong resident, the board has always represented a common ground where anyone is welcome—a tradition I hope we can continue.