MEDICAL LAKE — Three Medical Lake High School athletes will soon be performing at a higher level after signing collegiate Letters of Intent on May 16.
Cardinal seniors Ellie Haas, Amblessed Okemgbo and Connor Palmen have all been offered athletic scholarships for excelling at their sport. Athletic Director Justin Blayne said the three had put a tremendous amount of work and dedication into achieving their scholarships, primarily through the COVID pandemic.
“I think it’s a great day when we get to celebrate three outgoing seniors who have committed to participating in athletics at the next level,” Blayne said. “What it takes to do that—I can’t even describe it with words because I wouldn’t do it justice.
“I have been here for four years and to be able to witness the hard work they have put into their athletics is just remarkable.”
Blayne briefly spoke to each athlete, commending them on their accomplishments and achievements and explained how the school would continue to support them as they move forward in life.
Palmen, who committed to Western Washington University to continue his Cross Country and Track and Field experience, recalled his time as a Cardinal.
“I have been very lucky to have been in such a supportive environment with my coaches, my family, my friends, my teammates,” Palmen said. “I initially had some culture shock when I came into the school and didn’t feel I was quite ready at first, but I have really grown to love it here.”
Palmen’s mother, Denise Echelbarger, described how her son had shown tremendous growth through his time at Medical Lake High School.
“When Connor first started high school in Medical Lake, he wanted to try everything,” Echelbarger said. “But he really found his confidence in running for coach Gene (Blankenship). To just watch him grow in his confidence, skills, dedication, and his discipline has been a lot of fun. I am just truly proud of him.”
Haas, who has been a multi-sport athlete during her high school years, signed to play basketball for Portland Community College. She attributes her success on the hardwood to her support system.
“I just want to thank all of my family and friends,” Haas said. “I definitely would not be where I am without all of you. You make it a lot easier, and I am excited to see what’s next.”
Her parents, Gene and Terri Haas described their daughter’s maturation process as a high school athlete.
“Any sport and every sport she could play in, she would,” Gene Haas said. “When she got into her junior and senior years, she really focused on volleyball and basketball. She is on a travel team, and between all of those, she keeps up the drive and motivation to go.
“It’s been really exciting watching her drive and love for the game grow to the point where she can put those skills to work in college,” Terri Haas added.
Okemgbo was also a multi-sport athlete, but her passion drives her to the volleyball court, which she said allowed her a chance to play for Whitworth College.
“I am so grateful for everyone that encouraged me while in high school,” Okemgbo said. “They also helped me figure out what to go for and what college to sign up with, because that was a very tough decision.”
Her father, Dr. Christian Okemgbo, spoke about his daughter’s efforts explaining how exciting it is to see his child sign on for a scholarship.
“It’s a tremendous dream she has,” he said. “She has been playing volleyball since ninth grade and is very passionate about it. We are very happy she is committing to it on a higher level— it really is a dream come true.”
Amblessed’s mother echoed his thoughts.
“I am just so proud of her,” Mercy said. “I have not seen this kind of passion in her until she played volleyball. And for my daughter to be able to play volleyball, basketball, and track and keep her grades up is exceptional, and I am just so proud.”
The sentiment was pretty standard throughout the room, as friends, family, and school staff were all there to cheer and help the athlete celebrate this achievement.
“All three of you will be sorely missed,” Blayne told the three athletes. “But we are certainly looking forward to the next chapter for each of you which will be a lot of fun and memorable for you as young people. So soak it up and give everything you have in whatever you put your efforts into.”
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