Announcing new editors for city hall and sports
As part of our commitment to developing the next generation of journalists among the youth of Sammamish, we are delighted to announce the promotion of two of our reporters to the Sammamish Independent Editorial Board.
Ila Lu is the new city hall editor. Ms. Lu is currently a sophomore at Eastlake High School and has been a reporter with the Indy since the summer of 2024. Originally joining as a writer for the community beat, she also served as a reporter on the 2025 elections coverage team and has written articles for the education and city hall beats. Ms. Lu has covered a wide range of topics, including the recently passed state income tax, student reactions to LWSD’s new schedules, and affordable housing in Sammamish. Outside of the Indy, she enjoys seeing the world through the lens of a camera.
She replaces Brooke Lin, who will be graduating from Eastlake High School.
Tonghe Zhang is the new sports editor. Mr. Zhang is a sophomore at Skyline High School. He joined the Indy this January, writing for the sports beat. Some of his articles include the Eastside Catholic girls basketball team’s state championship, a resident’s efforts to establish a local soccer club, and student walkouts protesting ICE.
He replaces Parv Mehta, who will be graduating from Eastlake High School.
The staff at the Indy is proud and excited for these talented and dedicated students. We have no doubt that they will continue our mission to provide a holistic and fact-based source of the stories that make Sammamish unique.
