07/10/2026
Last week, we celebrated six incredible Rising scholars who stepped onto the field at FIFA World Cup as official flag bearers.
This week, we’re celebrating the character that brought them there.
These students weren’t chosen by chance. They earned the opportunity through leadership, dedication, and a commitment to serving their schools and communities. As part of the selection process, they submitted personal essays reflecting on their goals, leadership, and why they should be selected to represent Seattle on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Mai Lan shared her desire to represent her school and community with respect, responsibility, kindness, and good sportsmanship—hoping to make everyone who has supported her proud.
Aamira shared that being a FIFA World Cup™ flag bearer meant representing her school, her community, and young Black girls with pride. As a Garfield High School cheerleader, she strives to help others feel confident, included, and encouraged, leading by example with kindness, accountability, and a positive attitude.
Sbhat, who hopes to become both a lawyer and a pilot, described himself as accountable, responsible, and someone who gets things done when he sets his mind to it. He also shared that he sees himself as a leader in The Rising and called being selected as a FIFA flag bearer “an honor.”
At Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement, these are the qualities we work to cultivate every day: confidence, leadership, service, and a belief that every young person has the potential to thrive.
Congratulations again to Aamira, George (Lucas), Isaiah, Keita H-S., Mai Lan, and Sbhat. Your community is cheering you on!
Community