Educational Service District 112 (ESD 112) proudly celebrated the future of STEM innovation on the evening of June 9th during the annual STEM Rising Star and Regional Partner Awards. The event, held at the ESD 112 conference center, recognized outstanding students, educators, and partners whose contributions advance opportunity and equity in science, technology, engineering, and math throughout Southwest Washington.
Organized by Career Connect Southwest and Washington STEM, the awards ceremony brought together community leaders, students, mentors, and educators to honor those shaping a more inclusive and dynamic STEM ecosystem.
“Recognizing these trailblazers—whether they are students dreaming big, educators building bridges, or partners creating pathways—is how we grow a stronger, more connected STEM community,” said Vickei Hrdina, ESD 112 Director of K12, Workforce & Higher Ed Partnerships. “This work matters deeply—not just for today, but for the future of our students, our workforce, and our region.”
2025-26 STEM Rising Star: Shyleena Watkins
Shyleena Watkins, an 11th grader at Castle Rock High School, has been named the 2025-26 Southwest Washington STEM Rising Star. Passionate about a future in carpentry, she has excelled in her high school woodshop classes, demonstrating a determination and drive well beyond her years.
Ranked among the top 10 in her class, Shyleena balances academic excellence with a strong career focus. She plans to pursue an apprenticeship after graduation to kickstart her dream career in construction. Her commitment to hands-on learning, her perseverance in the face of adversity, and her role as a kind and trustworthy leader among her peers make her stand out in a highly competitive pool of nominees.
“Shyleena showcases the integrity, persistent determination, and resilience that is needed to succeed in any STEM field,” said Vickei Hrdina, Director of Career Readiness and STEM Initiatives. “I’m so excited that she’s chosen construction as her pathway!”
As this year’s STEM Rising Star, Shyleena will receive a $500 scholarship, a featured profile on Washington STEM’s website, and exclusive professional development opportunities, including a visit to Microsoft’s Redmond campus in the fall.
2025 STEM Rising Star Nominees – Southwest Washington
- Shaylee Suomela, 10th Grade, Naselle High School, Naselle-Grays River Valley School District
Shaylee, recognized for her passion for engineering challenges, from building underwater robots to operating cranes, brings tenacity and curiosity to every STEM pursuit. - Carley Coombes, 10th Grade, Discovery High School, Camas School District
A creative coder, Carley tackles real-world problems with Python projects, pushing boundaries through innovation and a passion for problem-solving. - Jaydin Talbott, 11th Grade, La Center High School, La Center School District
An uplifting presence in her school community, Jaydin stands out for her positive attitude and commitment to service through STEM. - Emma Morrison Garcia, 11th Grade, Columbia River High School, Vancouver Public Schools
With sharp thinking and joyful energy, Emma excels in biology and contributes a vibrant curiosity to every classroom discussion. - Lyla Howard, 11th Grade, La Center High School, La Center School District
Driven by her insatiable curiosity, Lyla pursues a profound understanding of both science and life, which makes her an inspiring role model. - Amelia Camargo, 11th Grade, Union High School, Evergreen Public Schools
Amelia, a future leader in aviation, has already set her sights on flying, combining ambition with exceptional leadership potential. - Catherine Brown, 11th Grade, Skyview High School, Vancouver Public Schools
Selected for an Aviation Leadership program, Cate is set to earn her commercial drone license and mentor others as a student flight instructor. - Haylee Delano, 11th Grade, Columbia River High School, Vancouver Public Schools
A standout among high achievers, Haylee’s sense of responsibility and passion for STEM distinguish her as a rising leader in the field. - Mya Errico, 11th Grade, Discovery High School, Camas School District
Mya’s curiosity reaches beyond the classroom—she uses learning as a tool to uplift her community and advocate for a deeper understanding. - Kaylie Foster, 11th Grade, Discovery High School, Camas School District
A leader who strives for success while uplifting others, Kaylie is passionate about digital arts and coding, with a strong sense of community impact. - Taryn Caville, 11th Grade, Discovery High School, Camas School District
Taryn’s innovative laser-cut and epoxy art became part of her school’s Maker Market, inspiring entrepreneurial creativity in STEM. - Eda O’Connor, 9th Grade, Columbia High School, White Salmon Valley School District
Recognized for her resilience and problem-solving skills in computer science, Eda is emerging as a powerful force in coding and leadership. - Evelynn Miller, 10th Grade, Wahkiakum High School, Wahkiakum School District
Inspired by the stars, Evelynn is an aspiring astrophysicist whose dream of exploring space fuels her STEM ambitions.
The three Regional Awardees representing Clark, Cowlitz/Wahkiakum/Pacific, and the Gorge, Eda O’Connor, Shaylee Suomela, and Lyla Howard, received $100 scholarships from ESD 112.
Regional Awardees: Eda O’Conner, Lyla Howard and Shaylee Suomela
Educator of the Year Jill Cole, La Center High School
Educator of the Year: Jill Cole, La Center High School
Recognized for her innovative approach to teaching and longstanding collaboration with Career Connect Southwest, Jill Cole was named the 2025 Educator of the Year. From transforming a single guest speaker visit into a comprehensive project-based unit on prosthetics to coordinating field trips to Clark College’s cadaver lab, Cole consistently bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.
“Jill embodies what it means to be a STEM educator—resourceful, student-centered, and endlessly creative,” Chad Mullen, Manager of Career Connect SW, said. “Her work has opened countless doors for students to explore meaningful futures.”
Advocate of the Year: Computing for All
Computing for All received the 2025 Advocate of the Year Award for its leadership in expanding tech career pathways in Southwest Washington. Through strategic support, event leadership, and curriculum collaboration, the organization has worked to ensure that students in rural and underserved communities can access high-quality technology education.
Special recognition was given to Alka Manchanda, Mandira Virmani, Leslie Howle, and Ritu Bahl for their advocacy and impactful partnerships.
Partner of the Year: Clark College Allied Health Programs
Partner of the Year Recipients: Clark College – Dr. Scot Headley, Olga Lyubar, Lisa Barsotti
This year’s Partner of the Year Award was given to Clark College’s Allied Health programs, led by Dr. Scot Headley, Olga Lyubar, and Lisa Barsotti. The team’s commitment to aligning education with healthcare workforce needs has resulted in meaningful learning experiences and career pathways for students throughout the region.
“Partnerships like these show what’s possible when education and industry work hand in hand,” said Mullen. “The Allied Health team at Clark College has set a high standard for innovation, access, and student impact.”
A Vision for the Future
nPower Girls sharing stories
The evening was filled with celebration and inspiration, from nPower Girls sharing their stories to students reflecting on mentorship and the discoveries they made. The awards reinforced ESD 112’s commitment to fostering a future where all students, regardless of background, can “see what they can be” in STEM.
“It’s critical that we continue working as a network and a community to connect young women to mentors they can identify with and continue closing the gender gap in STEM professions that are some of the fastest growing and highest paid in the country,” Hrdina concluded.
To learn more about Career Connect Southwest and ESD 112’s College & Career Pathways, visit Career Connect SW or follow @ESD112 on social media.
