Earlier this month, Kirkland resident Hanae Straub, was one of two Washington State University (WSU) seniors honored with the 2015 Top Ten Senior Award in Visual and Performing Arts.

Straub graduated from WSU in May 2015 with a degree in music education. She plans to continue her education at WSU by pursuing her Master of Arts in music education in the fall of 2015.

Straub has had many leading roles in opera and theatre productions at WSU, and was described by her nominator as someone who “brings life and energy to every character she portrays with a true understanding of its motives and vocal skills required by the composer.” During her senior recital, Straub showcased her ability to sing in multiple languages of English, Latin, Italian, German, and French. She has participated in many regional competitions as a vocal performer, receiving first place in her division at the National Association of Teachers Singing.

Straub was a member of the WSU Concert Choir, serving as a performer as well as an assistant conductor. She also participated in the WSU Educational Choral Festival, which brings over 1,000 high school students to WSU each year. Additionally, Straub served as the president of the Student American Choral Directors Association, and was also the president of the WSU Choral Company.

The Top Ten Senior Awards continue a longstanding WSU tradition by honoring one male and one female graduating senior in one of five categories: Academics, Athletics, Campus Involvement, Community Service, or Visual/Performing Arts. The awards date back to the early 1900s, when they were called the “Big Five Men” and “Big Five Women.” Winners are selected by WSU’s Student Alumni Ambassadors. For more information, visit www.alumni.wsu.edu/topten.