Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

11/26/07

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School District's Board of Directors Honors Matt Sencenbaugh

The Auburn School District Board of Directors recognized Matt Sencenbaugh, a senior at Auburn High School, for being an outstanding student on Monday, November 26, at 7 p.m. in the board room at the James P. Fugate Administration Building.

Matt is an exceptional student at Auburn High. He has a 4.0 cumulative grade point average and ranks 1 in a class of 425 graduating seniors. Matt challenges himself with honors and AP classes and holds himself to high standards.

Matt’s quiet yet competitive spirit serves as a model to his fellow classmates. One day this year in advanced chemistry, Ms. Billings—Matt’s chemistry teacher—reminded the students about an upcoming deadline for a particular assignment. Out loud Matt said, “Oh, I forgot about that.” Without hesitation his classmates playfully replied, “Matt, you forgot?” quite surprised at Matt’s atypical response. According to Ms. Billings, “Matt understands time management…if it is assigned, it gets done. If he doesn’t understand, he asks questions.”

Matt is also a caring classmate who takes time to help other students grasp concepts in the classroom. Without a doubt, Matt is an exemplary citizen. He was chosen from his class to be the Boys’ State Delegate, which is a Washington State leadership development program. Currently he is serving as a class senator. Outside of school he is involved with his church youth group and volunteers his time with Reality Sports.

Sports are also essential in Matt’s life. Matt excels in soccer and wrestling, collecting numerous awards and honors along the way. In wrestling, Matt was 2nd in state as a freshman, 4th in state as a sophomore, and last year he won the State wrestling championship. Last year he also won the State power lifting championship. Matt is a tenacious and competitive athlete and holds the bar high in his sporting endeavors. He has also served as captain in both soccer and wrestling.

John Aiken, Matt’s wrestling coach, applauds Matt’s character. “His character and polite demeanor are the first things you notice about him—his parents did a good job of raising him,” says Mr. Aiken.

Recently Matt signed his letter of intent to attend Stanford University in the fall and wrestle for the Cardinal. “Matt is a great leader and will continue to lead by example,” remarks Mr. Aiken.

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at 253-931-4713.