PRESS RELEASE

BOISE, Idaho (June 1, 2022) — The Idaho High School Activities Association have named six high school juniors as the 2021-2022 recipients of its annual Interscholastic Star Student Recognition Awards.

This scholarship program is sponsored by the Idaho High School Activities Association and was established in 1992 to recognize and reward outstanding students who participate in high school athletic and non-athletic activities.

Gracie Castillo (Garden Valley HS), Tayva McKinney (Potlatch HS), Blanca Mazo (North Fremont HS), Whitney Turner (Weiser HS), Amaia Clayton (Renaissance HS), Rachel Sheppard (Lewiston HS) were selected from a large field of outstanding students nominated by their schools Principal.

Amaia Clayton was selected as the “Idaho Star” for 2022-2023 and will grace the back covers of the 22-23 state tournament programs.

Nominees for the scholarships are exemplary students who:

• Through their participation, strengthen interscholastic sports and activities programs.
• Are active contributors to school and community organizations and programs.
• Are good citizens and positive role models for their peers.
• Promote the ideals of good sportsmanship and citizenship.

Each application includes an essay, recommendations from school administrators, and descriptions of athletic and activity participation and service to school and community.

Interscholastic Stars receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college of their choice. A $500 check is also given to each Interscholastic Star’s school. Runner’s up at each level receive a $500 scholarship.

All six Interscholastic Stars are leaders in their schools and communities:

• 1A DII Star – Gracie Castillo – A multiple sport athlete at Garden Valley HS, Gracie is the captain of her wrestling and track teams. She active in Student Government, NHS, and helped organize a Pass the Boot fundraiser to support the community’s firefighter.

• 1A DI Star – Tayva McKinney – Tayva has been a part of the Volleyball, Basketball and State Championship Softball teams at Potlatch HS. She is a member of the FFA, BPA and Student Government.

• 2A Star – Blanca Mazo – A three sport athlete at North Fremont HS, Blanca is also involved in Student Government and was a cheerleader. A member of NHS, Blanca has organized her school’s Veterans Day Assembly and multiple fundraisers in her community.

• 3A Star – Whitney Turner – Whitney has participated in Volleyball, Track & Field and Wrestling at Weiser HS. Competed at the State Vocal Solo Competition as well as local musical theater. Whitney is very involved in community including local blood drives, assisting underprivileged children and singing at the senior center.

• 4A Star – Amaia Clayton – A State Speech qualifier and debater for Renaissance HS, Amaia also competes for the Eagle HS swim team. A member of her school’s student council, NHS and the West Ada Student Superintendent Committee, Amaia is an active participant in school, local community and state committees.

• 5A Star – Rachel Sheppard – Member of the Lewiston HS Volleyball, Tennis, Speech teams. Rachel is passionate about music and has leadership roles in her school’s band. She is involved in school and community clubs while tutoring struggling students.

About the IHSAA

Founded in 1926, the Idaho High School Activities Association coordinates, supervises, and directs interscholastic activities that enhance and protect the total educational process of all student participants. Its activities and programs are formulated to promote citizenship and the academic missions of schools. Visit www.idhsaa.org for more information.