Yohane Griffin from Federal Way was selected last month to become a member of the prestigious National Society of High School Scholars.

The society invites top scholars, who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, scholarship and community commitment, to become members. Members are members for life and gain access to numerous resources for their high school, college and professional careers.

Yohane, a former Lakota Middle School student, is a sophomore student-athlete at Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. He is part of the Soccer Institute of Montverde Academy (SIMA), which is ranked No. 1 according to ESPN and Top Drawer Soccer High School rankings. The team has won the national championship five years in a row and produces pro players out of high school that go on to MLS and European clubs.

Yohane also participates in track and field, and he balances his athletics with his now-recognized academic performance.

Yohane was born in the Malawi. His mother, Federal Way resident Paula Griffin, traveled the world as a missionary at one point, during which time she adopted her son, Yohane, and his brothers, Yona, Moses and Joseph.