Soccer fever has taken over King County this summer – and the excitement around the FIFA World Cup games does not stop there.
Six Seattle students participating in The Rising, a Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement signature program offered in partnership with the 4C Coalition, were selected to be flag bearers for the Round of 32 Match 82. The game begins on Wed., July 1 at 1 p.m. in Seattle Stadium (Lumen Field).
The six students are:
Aamira M., 11th grade, Garfield High School
George (Lucas) S., 8th grade, Dimmitt Middle School
Isaiah G., 11th grade, Chief Sealth International High School
Keita H-S., age 12, Seattle Academy
Mai Lan F., 8th grade, Dimmitt Middle School
Sbhat G-M., 9th grade, Franklin High School
FIFA flag bearers step onto the pitch during pre-match opening ceremonies, carrying the official FIFA flag, tournament sponsor banners or the participating countries’ national flags before kickoff. They are selected based on being good students and helpful community members.
Students in the Seattle CARES’ The Rising program receive academic, social and personal skills to ensure their success in school and get a good start in life. A 2020 study showed 92 percent of those who participated in The Rising had increased self-confidence. Racial identity and racial pride also improved as did social and emotional intelligence. Funding for The Rising is provided by City of Seattle, King County Best Starts for Kids and the United Way.
To be considered for FIFA flag bearer, some of the students submitted a personal essay outlining why they should be chosen. They wrote about their future goals and leadership qualities, and whether they could commit to a series of training classes required to perform as a flag bearer.
Aamira, a Garfield High student, felt that her cheerleading experience helped her “bring energy and school spirit and encourage others to feel confident and included…Being a flag bearer would mean a lot to me because I would be representing my school, my community and young Black girls like me. I would show up with pride, confidence and a positive attitude.”
Balancing an active school schedule with volunteering was one way Isaiah, an 11th grader at Chief Sealth International High School, felt he showed commitment. “Since my first Rising class, I have focused on personal growth and community involvement, from advocating for local issues to participating in neighborhood cleanups. These experiences have taught me the essence of leadership and fueled my ambitions to become an aeronautical engineer.”
Sbhat, a student at Franklin High School who wants to be a lawyer and a pilot, is an avid soccer player and fan who sees himself as accountable and responsible. “I get stuff done when I need to and if I put my mind to something I can accomplish it. I also see myself as a leader in the Rising program. I really enjoy the program and it is an honor to be in it.”
Thrilled to participate as a FIFA flag bearer, 8th grader Mai Lan pledged to “represent my school and community by being respectful, responsible and showing good sportsmanship. I want people to see that my community has taught me to work hard, be grateful for opportunities, and always treat others with kindness. I hope to make everyone who has supported me proud by being a positive role model at the World Cup.”
Let’s cheer on these — and other — outstanding Seattle CARES and 4C Coalition scholars!
In December, Partnership for Hope will be based at Mercer International Middle School in Seattle. With a student enrollment of about 800, Mercer International is extending the program’s reach by inviting families from five of its feeder elementary schools to participate. This brings the potential number of impacted families to nearly 2,000. The food outreach program is only open to students affiliated with Mercer International Middle School and their families.
