Walla Walla High School senior named future business leader of the year

By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla High School senior Ari Kim-Leavitt was named future business leader of the year at the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce Community Excellence Awards Ceremony on Dec. 10.

The award recognizes a high school senior for exceptional leadership, integrity, academic achievement and community service.

“I am a student representative on the Walla Walla School Board,” Leavitt said. “I also attend meetings at the Gates Foundation in Seattle, and I think these are some things that will definitely prepare me for my future.”

Fellow senior Hayes Hendley was also celebrated at the awards ceremony as a finalist.

From L to R: Hayes Hendley and Ari Kim-Leavit. Photo via Walla Walla Public Schools