A Pair of Rising Stars!

Congratulations to Payton Sears and Madison Durbin as the Selah High School pair were recently recognized as part of the Educational Service District 105 STEM Rising Star Awards.

The Rising Star Awards are an initiative designed to recognize exceptional young women in grades 9-11, who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, while embodying qualities of kindness and determination. The awards ceremony highlighted how these exceptional students embody both rigorous academic achievement with genuine compassion for their communities through volunteering and mentorship.

Sears and Durbin were among 46 Washington State STEM Rising Star nominees from across our region, recognized in four distinct categories: Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Academic Excellence, and Community Service.

Sears, a junior, was recognized for her outstanding leadership qualities, not only receiving the STEM Rising Star award in the Leadership category, but also claiming first place overall among all leadership nominations.

Durbin, a sophomore, received the STEM Rising Star award in the Academic Excellence category for her groundbreaking research on PFAS contamination and cancer risks.

Congratulations to Payton Sears and Madison Durbin for being a pair of Rising Stars!