The class of 2025 LEAP Committee was announced on June 20, and Thomas Jefferson High School’s soon-to-be junior Brandon Bao was selected for the statewide committee.
LEAP stands for Leadership through Education, Activities, and Personal Development. Bao’s place on the committee brings a necessary representation, he said.
Bao is the second Federal Way school district representative on the LEAP committee dating back to 2016 when Lexus Oden was chosen from Todd Beamer High School. He is the first TJHS representative since the program started back in 2009.
“I know being the second person from Federal Way is super exciting to have the second opportunity to represent our area. We’re kind of under-represented in these kinds of things,” Bao said.
One of the people who recommended Bao to apply for LEAP was Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHS) Athletic Director Courtney McCurry.
“It’s really exciting to bring the voice of the NPSL … We have such a unique experience being from such a diverse area,” he said.
After the application process was over, Bao said he felt like he had a pretty strong case to be selected, but didn’t want to get ahead of himself.
“I was definitely surprised because so many people applied. But I knew I had a solid application. I put my best foot forward and I had a good shot,” he said.
Even though he is a student in the class of 2025, he plans on taking this experience with him to the next level.
“I think it is gonna really develop me as a leader and help me down the line. Especially having the opportunity to represent other people is a really useful skill to have,” he said.
Something that Bao is very passionate about is something he touched on in his application — access to sports.
“High school athletics come with a cost,” he said. “Being from a school that has been 60% free and reduced lunch, I want to find a way to improve access to high school athletics in general.”
Bao said he’s looking forward to contributing on a large scale.
“It’s amazing to bring our voice from our area to the governing body. The ability to make change is super exciting,” he said.
