2025 Athlete of the Year Awards

Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Athlete of the Year Awards Highlight Scholar-Athletes Across FWPS

Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS), in proud partnership with the Federal Way Mirror, hosted the sixth annual Athlete of the Year Celebration on June 3, 2025, at Federal Way High School. This special event honored 16 exceptional scholar-athletes for their athletic skill, academic achievement, and school spirit, culminating in the announcement of the 2025 Athletes of the Year.

Throughout the school year, the Federal Way Mirror features a male and female Athlete of the Week from FWPS. As the year wraps up, athletic directors from each of the district’s four comprehensive high schools select two male and two female finalists to represent their schools at this celebration. The community then votes to help decide the top athletes of the year.

This year’s finalists represented a wide range of sports, from football and fastpitch to swimming, gymnastics, and track and field. Each finalist was honored with a custom-framed sports card and recognition of their athletic and academic accomplishments.

🎉 2025 Athlete of the Year Winners

Federal Way High School seniors Austin May and Meeghan Meagher were announced as this year’s male and female winners, receiving the most votes from the community via the Federal Way Mirror website.

✨ Finalists Representing FWPS High Schools

Decatur High School

• Amyah Johnson: Swim & Dive, Gymnastics, Tennis
• Madelyn Mitchell: Cross Country, Track & Field
• Spencer Holloway: Football, Baseball
• Nehemiah Washington: Football, Wrestling, Track & Field

Federal Way High School

• Marina Velasco-Bono: Soccer, Wrestling, Track & Field
• Meeghan Meagher: Soccer, Basketball, Fastpitch
• Austin May: Football, Track & Field
• Zamarie Tellez: Football, Track & Field

Thomas Jefferson High School

• Emily Kropp: Cross Country, Bowling, Fastpitch
• Madison Burt: Swimming, Gymnastics, Track & Field
• Makai Drungo: Football, Wrestling, Track & Field
• Kort Baker: Swimming, Baseball

Todd Beamer High School

• Annette Sagale: Volleyball, Girls Flag Football, Fastpitch
• Sydney Wells: Cross Country, Track & Field
• Keith Rogers Jr.: Football, Basketball, Track & Field
• Gavin Cook: Football, Wrestling, Baseball

The event was more than just awards—it was a celebration of school pride and community spirit. The evening opened with jazzy tunes from the Decatur High School band and a presentation of the colors by Federal Way and Todd Beamer High School Air Force JROTC cadets. Guests enjoyed vibrant performances from Federal Way High School cheerleaders, the Thomas Jefferson drumline, and Todd Beamer’s Pacific Islander Club, showcasing the culture and talent across FWPS schools.

FWPS Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer and District Athletic Director John Yellam shared inspiring remarks, encouraging all student-athletes to be proud of their achievements. “Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed,” said Dr. Pfeiffer. “You are an inspiration, and I have no doubt you’ll continue to achieve great things in the future.”

Thank you to the Federal Way Mirror for spotlighting our scholars, to the FWPS athletic staff for their efforts behind the scenes, and most of all, to the student-athletes who exemplify what it means to lead with commitment, character, and sportsmanship.

👏 Congratulations to all our finalists—and to Austin and Meeghan, your 2025 Athletes of the Year!