Editor’s note: The Auburn Reporter salutes some of the best graduating seniors from each of the Auburn School District’s four high schools. The top graduates were selected by their respective schools.
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Jarrell Washington is a warm-hearted, ambitious young man, an inventor reaching for all the possibilities.
He also is a gifted student, a scholar with a bright future who sees himself running his own engineering firm one day, maybe even leading the pack in the designing of state-of-the-art, energy-efficient vehicles.
That is just one of his many hopes and dreams.
“I’m into alternative energy, hybrid-style vehicles, alternative energy,” said Washington, one of the top graduating students in the class of 2011 at Auburn Riverside High School. “The United States needs to be less dependent on foreign oil.”
Washington wants to be a part of the next generation’s go-green shift to new energy and consumption solutions.
His time at Auburn Riverside has prepared him well for his next step — come fall, he’ll be studying mechanical engineering at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, a nationally ranked school.
“I like inventing, creative things,” he said.
“Depending on what you want to do, marketing or engineering, the classes are here,” he added. “I feel like I have prepared myself well.”
Washington credits his parents and Bill Sumner, his teacher, coach and friend, as influential forces pushing his development.
“My dad (Maurice) has been the inspiration behind my pursuit of innovation and knowledge,” Washington said, “and my mom (Nataliya) has been the inspiration behind me being kind and helping others.”
A 4.0 honors and AP student, Washington excelled in many ways. He was an award-winning performer with the Technology Student Association (TSA), an nationwide organization devoted exclusively to the needs of students interested in technology. TSA is supported by educators, parents and business leaders who believe in the need for a technologically literate society.
Washington earned top honors for creating a dragster design in the state TSA competition in March. He collaborated with fellow student Andrew Ridge in producing an air-powered, emission-free go-kart – a prototype “Aeolus” – in the statewide Imagine Tomorrow competition.
Washington served as a Raven Crew mentor for young students, recruited tomorrow’s engineers from middle schools and volunteered at the community center.
He competed on the cross country trail and track oval for the Ravens.
“And now I’m ready for my next step,” he said.
Ariel Esterbrook
School triggers her mind, but family and faith trigger her soul.
When she isn’t getting the most out of her abilities in the classroom, Ariel Esterbrook works wonders with others through Young Life, a non-denominational Christian ministry that reaches out to adolescents.
“It’s all about creating relationships, staying close and in touch with them, and making sure they make the right choices and keeping them right on track,” Esterbrook said of her effectiveness as a group counselor.
Esterbrook, daughter of Adria and Donny Esterbrook, also is a leader and role model at school, where she is a 4.0 honors and AP student. She served as a Raven Crew mentor, held ASB office and worked with the National Honor Society.
Esterbrook also excelled in four seasons in tennis, and also competed in cross country and soccer.
She plans to attend Pacific Lutheran University and major in elementary education, perhaps obtain her master’s degree in either math or special ed.
“I want to be a teacher and maybe coach,” said Esterbrook, whose mother is a teacher. “It is what I was meant to do.”
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Auburn Riverside High commencement: 4 p.m., Saturday, Auburn Memorial Stadium, 800 Fourth St. NE
