Gibson Ek Senior Earns City Environmental Award

For the first time in the 10 years of Issaquah’s Community Environmental Award, the city has honored an Issaquah School District student rather than an adult activist or organization.

Gibson Ek senior Mina Jun “has inspired hundreds of people through engaging projects that encourage community-wide participation in sustainability efforts,” said Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly at an award ceremony during a City Council meeting this spring.

Jun, who plans to attend Barnard College in New York City this fall, helped organize the city’s first Sustainability Fair in 2023 during her sophomore-year internship with Issaquah Sustainability Manager Stacy Vynne McKinstry. 

“From the day I first met her, I could see her dedication to making a difference, her willingness to jump into any project, and the lasting legacy she wanted to leave,” Vynne McKinstry says.

For her senior capstone project, Jun created the city’s first Junior Park Ranger program, a free set of activities the city will begin offering to families June 7. As a junior, Jun collected data on trees and other foliage for the city’s Urban Forestry team. She interned freshman year with a textile artist who uses natural dyes derived from native plants. 

Jun is also impacting city and school district policy. She serves as a youth member of the city’s Environmental Board and has been a vocal advocate for a districtwide sustainability policy. 

“In a few short years, she has influenced so many projects and programs,” Vynne McKinstry says, “bringing a unique perspective that engages community members who often might not feel connected to our work.”

“I was so honored,” Jun says of the award. “I often feel as if student work and voices are overlooked in professional settings, so it was surprising and validating to be recognized by the city.”

Jun’s award underscores that teens can make a real difference, Vynne McKinstry says.

“One of the highlights from my last few years working for the city has been connecting with the students at Gibson Ek High School and seeing their passion and creativity turn into projects that have a huge impact on our community.”

 

Note: Photo is of Mina Jun at the third annual Sustainability Fair at Pickering Barn in April 2025.