Federal Way High School senior Tia Thomas is the week six CenturyLink High School Athlete of the Week.
Thomas smiled as she was recognized during a ceremony at the high school in front of her family, peers, coaches and teachers on Oct. 17. She also received a $1,200 gift card for Federal Way’s athletic department and a customized 2014 Nike Seahawks jersey.
“When I was nominated I was really excited and I felt like all my hard work had paid off,” Thomas said. “I like playing these sports because they keep me active and I like the competitiveness of it.”
The award is sponsored by the Seattle Seahawks, CenturyLink, Inc. and Sports Authority. Thomas also received two game tickets to watch the Seahawks play against the Oakland Raiders on Nov. 2.
“I’m proud of Tia and believe she deserves this honor,” said John Meagher, Federal Way High School athletic director.
Thomas was selected to be the Athlete of the Week based on her dedication to academics, community involvement, leadership and athletic performance. She has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her high school career, despite taking a challenging course load and being an active participant of the Advancement Via Individual Determination program. Thomas also serves as the mentor coordinator for Federal Way’s Ignite mentor program.
“Being in athletics has changed me as a student because I have to learn how to manage my time so I can do all these fun sports and still get a 4.0,” Thomas said.
Thomas is a three-sport athlete who placed fourth in the state in diving, seventh in the state with her floor routine in gymnastics and seventh in the state pole vault for the track team. She captains all three teams she participates in.
She volunteers her free time working as a kindergarten assistant at her mother’s elementary school. She also participates in food drives for causes, including We Day.
“Outside of these three sports I am a competitive cheerleader,” Thomas said, noting she has been a cheerleader for 12 years.
Thomas’s plans for her future are, naturally, sports-related.
“I hope to either do acrobatics and tumbling in college or join a college cheer team that competes,” she said.
