Blaine student attends STEM event at state capitol

A Blaine High School student attended the annual Washington STEM Signing Day event on Friday, which highlights and celebrates students who are pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees or credentials.

Alexandra Hao is a senior at Blaine High School and plans to study biochemistry or chemistry at the University of Washington.

She joined 48 other students, one from each legislative district across the state, for the second annual Washington STEM Signing Day, which is intended to resemble signing days for athletes. Hao signed a STEM “letter of intent” at the state capitol in Olympia during a ceremony attended by family members, elected officials and leadership from Boeing.

Hao was selected to take part in the event based on her involvement in STEM education in her school and community.

“Washington STEM knows that from early childhood to post-secondary, there is nothing better that prepares students for success in career and life than STEM.” said Caroline King, CEO of Washington STEM. “The students that we recognize today are an inspiration to their families, communities and everyone at Washington STEM and Boeing. By committing to STEM, as our newly released research and data shows, these students are putting themselves on a path towards economic opportunity, personal agency and a bright future in Washington.”

Washington STEM is a statewide, independent nonprofit organization headquartered in Seattle. Launched in 2011 and founded on the principles of equity, partnership and sustainability, the nonprofit seeks solutions that lead to opportunities for those students most underserved and underrepresented in STEM fields.

“Supporting these incredible students, and events like Washington STEM Signing Day that celebrate their success, is part of Boeing’s ongoing commitment to the communities where our employees live and work,” said Bill McSherry, vice president of Government Operations at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “By investing in these future leaders, we are helping to create a promising future that serves us all.”