Rachel Dejneka, a junior at Ballard High School, along with five other Seattle Public School students, has been selected to attend the National Academy Foundation’s Annual Gala in New York City on Feb. 24 through 26.

The prestigious event will be held at the Waldorf-Astoria, with a concert by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra taking place at Carnegie Hall as part of the gala. Each student was recommended by their Academy teachers because of their leadership, academic success, and being highly involved in their programs.

Dejneka was selected by her teachers to represent Ballard at the Gala because of her enthusiasm and her commitment to Ballard's Academy of Finance program, according to the district.

“I want to congratulate these students for their hard work, their leadership and their outstanding accomplishments,” said Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson. “Our academy programs challenge students to meet high academic standards in all subjects, including math and science, while equipping them with knowledge and skills that will serve them well in college, career and life."

Dejneka says that developing life skills and learning about business were motivators for her joining the academy. She is also involved in competitions for Future Business Leaders of America and in her role as co-chair on the Seattle Academy Student Leaders.

Other students participating include:

Maureen Gray, a senior at Ingraham High School, Academy of Hospitality and Tourism; Dameon Johnson, a junior at Franklin High School, Academy of Finance; Mohamed Mohamed, a junior at Chief Sealth High School, Academy of Hospitality and Tourism ; Michelle Tran, a junior at Chief Sealth High School, Academy of Finance; and Alexander Pham, a junior at Ingraham High School, Academy of Information Technology.