Angela Vu, Brianna Tran and Zainab Asker of Renton High School and Navneet Tumber of Hazen High School were part of the 2025 STEM Signing Day on Friday, where 50 Washington state high school seniors and new graduates were honored for their commitment to pursuing postsecondary education and credentials in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM).

Similar to college signing days for athletes, the STEM Signing Day was held at Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on June 6 where students signed a letter of intent to pursue STEM-related programs through secondary education. The event was sponsored by Boeing, the Seattle Seahawks and Partnership for Learning.

Vu intends to study nursing at University of Michigan while Tran plans to study nursing at Univeristy of Washington. Tumber and Asker are also planning on attending UW, where Tumber will pursue a biology degree and pre-med while Asker intends to study microbiology.

“This opportunity shines a light on what we see everyday at Renton High, remarkable student leaders creating a vision for their future and inspiring the adults who are blessed to support them and their passions. When I learned that several RHS students were being honored, I felt a sense of pride and joy in our students receiving due recognition for their efforts, achievements, and accomplishments. I am filled with joy to know they are being supported in their post high school endeavors,” said Renton High principal Andrew O’Connell.

Guest speakers included Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, State Representative Alex Ybarra, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young and Kim Pastega, Vice President of Manufacturing and Safety for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“It was a really cool experience where the people truly wanted to help support the next generation of incoming STEM professionals and support students and their goals!” said Tumber.