From Bearcats to the big game: Classmates from WA's Monroe High School set for Super Bowl spotlight
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Nearly six years ago, they were just two seniors roaming the hallways of Monroe High School in Snohomish County. One was a standout wide receiver and the other was a member of the school's diving team, who recently discovered he could sing.
As the Super Bowl descends on the Bay Area, the city of Monroe finds itself in a dual spotlight over the next few days.
Efton Chism III was a star wide receiver at Monroe High, totaling 166 catches for 2,581 yards and had 39 total touchdowns during his time. He spent five seasons at Eastern Washington University and was signed by the New England Patriots as a rookie free agent. Chism is now preparing to take the field for the biggest game of his life.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 18: Efton Chism III #86 of the New England Patriots celebrates as he walks off the field after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Houston Texans, at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Foxborou
Long before he was backflipping on global concert stages, Benson Boone was perfecting his form in the pool. He finished 6th for Monroe High at WIAA State Swim and Dive competition in 2020.
"I just found out he [Benson Boone] was going to be here this week," Chism said during Monday's Super Bowl Opening Night.
Boone will take the stage on Thursday night to kick off the Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC) Live! concert series in San Francisco, and joining him is eight-time Grammy-nominated singer Shaboozey.
MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 29: Benson Boone performs onstage during Visa Live at the Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on November 29, 2025 in Merritt Island, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
Chism, who grew up as a Seattle Seahawks fan, looks to help the Patriots secure another Lombardi Trophy.
"It's been awesome, super surreal," he told FOX 13 Seattle about the days leading up to the game. "But you know, looking forward to just continue to prepare during the week and get ready for Sunday."
For the 20,000 residents of Monroe, the Super Bowl represents more than just a game and entertainment but also talent emerging from Snohomish County.
The Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots will face off in the Super Bowl on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
The Source: Information in this story came from the NFL, New England Patriots, Recording Academy, Washington Interscolastic Activities Association and original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Cantwell urges DOJ to stop pressuring states like WA for voter registration data
Gunfight kills 1, injures 3 in Seattle's 'Sinking Ship' garage
T-Mobile to lay off hundreds of WA employees across the state
Reports: Seattle Seahawks to go up for sale after Super Bowl 2026
Burglars steal $50K worth of Seahawks merch from Seattle store ahead of Super Bowl
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.