Aya Sato, 17, Kamiak High School senior

Published 9:00 pm Monday, March 1, 2004

Budding artist: With a life-long love for art, Aya was the student who always created detailed scenery in routine elementary school drawing assignments. Her drawings and paintings can be seen in the halls of Kamiak. She is taking an advanced placement (college level) art class that requires a portfolio of nearly 30 projects. Pen and ink is her favorite medium. She will attend Northwest College of Art in Poulsbo next fall.

Helping others: Saw a banner as an underclassmen promoting Kamiak High School Key Club, which provides community service. "I thought I would see what it was about," she said. Today, she is Key Club co-president. Has organized and recruited for Special Olympics and has helped with food and Christmas toy drives and volunteers at a retirement home. "I just enjoy seeing people happy," she said.

Keeping busy: Played flute for high school band and a select group called Solo Ensemble. Belongs to Kamiak’s Sandscript, a club that delves into poetry, art and creative writing as well as the GREAN club, an environmental group, and National Honor Society.

Long leaper: A four-year letter winner in track and captain of Kamiak’s girls track team, she is a long jumper and triple jumper and runs relays.

New kid: Daughter of a chef, Aya moved 11 times during her childhood, including to Kamiak High School her freshmen year. "I am a friendly person. It was hard just having to start over again from scratch," she said.

Favorite authors: Tracy Chevalier, "Girl with a Pearl Earring," "Falling Angels" and "The Lady and the Unicorn;" Tom Wolfe, "Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test."

Ideal job: Designing album covers for bands on independent labels. Favorite bands include Radiohead, Jack Johnson and Seattle band Minus the Bear.

Know a super kid? Call us at 425-339-3036 or schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.

JUSTIN BEST / The Herald