Auburn Riverside student commits to pursuing STEM careers during Olympia celebration

Michael Kopcho is one of 49 signees from throughout the state

April 13, 2019 9:57 am
High school seniors from across the state participate in Washington STEM Signing Day on Friday in Olympia. COURTESY PHOTO, Washington STEM

An Auburn Riverside student was among the 49 high school students from throughout the state who participated in the second annual Washington STEM Signing Day on Friday in Olympia.

Just like signing days for athletes, the second-annual Washington STEM Signing Day presented in partnership with Boeing celebrated high school seniors as they made their commitments to some of the state and country’s top technical schools, colleges and universities, according to a Washington STEM news release.

Michael Kopcho, a senior at Auburn Riverside, plans to study computer science at Oregon State University. Kopcho represents Legislative District 31.

Students signed science, technology, engineering and math letters of intent at the state capitol during a ceremony attended by family members, elected officials and leadership from Boeing. Forty-nine students, one from each legislative district across the state, were selected to take part in the event based on their involvement in STEM education in school and community. These students will be bringing their talents in pursuit of careers in STEM fields and putting themselves on the fast track for success.

“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.”

“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.”