Thomas captains MIHS drill squad to state titles
Mercer Island High School’s drill team experienced the gamut of emotions at the recent state championships. Throughout the competition, the Islanders were happy, intense and finally bittersweet after hitting the final pose in their pom routine.
Senior drill team captain Penelope Thomas said her tears flowed following the final routine of her four-year drill team career, which finished with the Islanders notching three state titles in the pom, military and kick divisions on March 28 at the Yakima SunDome.
“It means a lot, and it’s always nice when people recognize our hard work. It’s been really nice to end the year off like this,” she said. “The fact that we won in all of our categories that we competed in was insane and so exciting for the team.” Thomas led the
Reporter through the three routines, noting that military includes tight synchronization while the members sport intense faces; the Islanders’ legs go high and often during kick; and there’s heaps of energy in pom, which features copious turns and jumps.
Tiredness pays a visit at the conclusion of the meet, but it’s a good thing after all the Islanders have accomplished, Thomas said.
“It makes it so much more worth it when you’re with some of your closest friends and with people who you spend almost every single day with, countless hours with. It’s tiring, but it’s really fun, and we all enjoy it,” she said.
Thomas began her dance training with ballet at the beginning of fourth grade and then added tap, jazz and contemporary styles into her world. She estimates that she actually took her first dance steps at 2 years old.
“I think my dance training from when I was younger really helped me kind of embody the emotions and things like that,” said Thomas, who dreamed of joining a competitive dance team when the start of sixth grade rolled around.
Drill team soon came calling when Thomas attended a Mercer Island High School football game and witnessed the cool-looking drill squad performing with “humongous pom-poms.”
“When I found out that they competed, it got even a hundred times more exciting, so I started thinking about wanting to join drill in sixth grade,” she said. “So for three years, I also remember during COVID, I would be in my room trying to learn the splits and trying to watch all these drill videos so that I could hopefully make the team.”
Thomas was ecstatic when that dream came true, and now she’s part of a state championship squad.
The Reporter asked Thomas a series of questions to get a behind-thescenes glimpse into her life:
If you could go to dinner with one person, who would that be?
I would say probably one of my role models when I was younger. I
remember one of my favorite dancers was Maddie Ziegler. I really looked up to (her) when I was younger just because of how well-rounded she was and everything. She’s pretty cool.
And if she came over to Mercer Island to have dinner with you, what would be a good spot on the Island to take her?
I would probably take her to Sushi Joa. My family and I get a lot of food from there, and so we’re really close with that restaurant.
What’s a binge-worthy TV series that you’d recommend?
Lately, I’ve been watching a lot of “Suits” on Netflix. It’s all about lawyers and all of that, so I find that pretty entertaining. Looking ahead maybe five, 10 years, what would be your dream job?
Well, as of right now, my thought process is I want to go to law school, and so that kind of fits in with liking “Suits” as a TV show.
What’s next collegewise? Are you decided for next year?
I’m not committed yet, but I have some options, for sure. I’ll be going out of state. I’m not sure where, but hopefully I’ll know soon. I know the deadline is May 1st, so I’ll definitely know before then. I’m sure wherever I end up, I know I’ll be happy, and I’ll make
some pretty good friends. You think you’ll continue on the dance route, or was this it?
I definitely want to dance in college. It’s been one of my goals ever since I first heard that college dance teams ever exist. I’ve been obsessing over college dance teams, I want to say maybe since sophomore year of high school, and so it’s definitely something that I hope to continue to do.
I’ve been training for it a little bit these past couple of months, and so whatever college I end up going to, if there’s a dance team, I will be trying out for it, that’s for sure. Well, you never know what’s around the corner. It might turn into a dance career, you know? If you’re in the right place at the right time, someone spots you, and there you go. Yeah, exactly.
southend
PHOTO COURTESY OF KYLE MOSLER
Mercer Island High School senior drill team captain Penelope Thomas.
MARKETINGAND PRICESTRATEGIES
Howdoyoudetermine therightlistingpricefora property?
Themosteffectivewayforus todeterminepricingisthrough aComparableMarketAnalysis (CMA).Thisallowsustocompare thepropertytosimilarhomessold, pending,oractiveinthelast180 days.Byrefiningcriterialikesquare footage,features/finishes,view,lot size,andlocation,weestablishan accuratepricetodiscusswithsellers.
HowdoesMercerIsland’srealestatemarketcompareto nearbyareas?
ComparingMercerIslandtoSeattleisdifficultduetoSeattle’sdiverse neighborhoods.However,WestBellevueisaclosermatch,withsimilar medianhomepricesandmarkettrends.
Whatstrategiesdoyouusetoattractbuyersand generateinterestinyourlistings?
Weusehigh-definitionphotography,videography(includingdrone footage),flyers,brochures,customwebsites,andsocialmediatomarket listings.Weblendtraditionalmethodslikedoorknockingandopen housesignswithmodernstrategies,includingcustomizedbooklets andonlinepromotion.Wealsolovehostingbigkickoffweekends thatfeatureexclusiveneighborpreviewsandcateredopenhousesto generatebuzz.
ConnorHolden TheLou&LoriTeam connorholden@johnlscott.com (206)498-3033
Yearsinrealestate:10
7243WRidgeRd,MercerIsland,WA98040
4Beds|3.75baths|3,960SQFT|$2,950,000 DebbieConstantine|206.853.5262
14425GlenAcresRoadSWRd,Vashon,WA98070
42.6ACRES|$825,000 ChristianAnderson&MarkAnderson|425.750.0141
8812SE74thPlace,MercerIsland,WA98040 4Beds|2.5baths|2,410SQFT|13,151SQFTLot|$2,395,000 LoriHoldenScott&ConnorHolden|206.949.5674
28XX68thAveSE,MercerIsland,WA98040 9,000SQFTLot|$1,750,000 TimConway|206.954.2437
1400HubbellPlaceUnit#1103,Seattle,WA98101 1Beds|1baths|568SQFT|$329,950 MarkAnderson&ChristianAnderson|206.931.9807
305580thAveSEUnit#204,MercerIsland,WA98040 1Beds|1bath|719SQFT|$459,000 DieterKaetel|206.427.0863
283678thAveSEUnit#402,MercerIsland,WA98040 2Beds|2baths|1,700SQFT|$4,195/MO DieterKaetel|206.427.0863
4021239thPlaceSE,Sammamish,WA98029 5Beds|2.5baths|2,870SQFT|7,638SQFTLot|$1,850,000 LoriHoldenScott&ConnorHolden|206.949.5674
62020thSt,Snohomish,WA98290 3Beds|1bath|858SQFT|6,970SQFTLot|$669,000 CarrieSimmons&IngvilSyversen|206.679.7093
729HighStUnit#103,Bellingham,WA98225 2Beds|1baths|811SQFT|$420,000 CarrieSimmons&IngvilSyversen|206.679.7093
283678thAveSEUnit#401,MercerIsland,WA98040 2Beds|2baths|1,700SQFT|$4,295/MO DieterKaetel|206.427.0863
6939SEAllenSt,MercerIsland,WA98040 3Beds|3baths|3,080SQFT|$4,595,000 LoriHoldenScott|206.949.5674
14152ndAveUnit#2502,Seattle,WA98101 2Beds|1.75baths|962SQFT|$4,250/MO NinaSmith|206.669.8983
ConnorHolden 206.498.3033
‘Piper’ Ralph Munro was Washington’s Energizer Bunny
Washingtonians recall Ralph Munro’s distinctive political advertisements, which featured 30 seconds of bagpipe music followed by a brief tagline stating, “This interlude brought to you by the Munro campaign.”
As unusual and refreshing as the ads were, they worked! They spared voters from the merciless pounding dished out by sparring politicians and their band of campaign hacks. Munro was elected as our state’s longest-serving secretary of state in 1980 and retired after five four-year terms in 2000. While he often ran unopposed, Munro was tirelessly like the Energizer Bunny, only dressed in a Scottish kilt playing his bagpipes.
Since his death in late March, various articles have described his efforts to save the orca, resettle Vietnamese refugees, make voting more accessible, and assist those who are less fortunate and disabled. However, there were less mentioned attributes that were as unusual as his
unique ways. For small business, Munro championed “one-stop permitting.” Our state with its high state and local sales, property, and gross receipts (business and occupation) taxes make it particularly difficult for small businesses to survive. Adding excessive permitting leads entrepreneurs to quit and close shops.
The Washington Policy Center notes “the state’s business tax climate has deteriorated significantly, falling from 6th best in 2014 to 5th worst in 2025, discouraging new business creation.”
Munro believed our state needed destination resorts in scenic areas to bring convention business here. To prove his point, Munro took his video camera to Oregon’s Mt. Bachelor ski resort and filmed license plates of Washington vehicles in the parking lot. His logic was if Colorado’s Aspen and Montana’s Big Sky resorts can thrive in remote areas, Washington could do the same.
Munro never passed an opportunity to promote Washington. When the Association of Washington Business (AWB) conducted a large meeting at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, he reminded us that AWB was the “association of Washington — not Idaho — business.”
However, over the years, AWB invited national groups to Suncadia, Skamania and Semiahmoo. Many met here, but he still jokingly quipped: “You should have landed them all!”
Munro would show up when you least expected him. While in the Guard and at the Yakima Firing Center, an APC (tracked
armored personnel carrier) popped over the horizon. When it stopped and dropped its gate, Ralph Munro walked out. It was scorching hot on a barren hill encased in clouds of dust.
When asked why, Munro quipped: “I wanted to see what you did and where!”
Then came the activation of the National Guard for Desert Storm in 1990-91. It marked the start of ongoing reserve callups. Not only were active-duty units from Washington bases deployed, but they also were accompanied by Guard units mobilized from various states.
Of the 650,000 military personnel involved in combat, 75,000 were from the Guard.
Munro and then-Gov. Mike Lowry understood the significance of the change and came to see the troops off and welcome them home. There were no press briefings, media statements, speeches, social media postings, videos, stages, or photos. These were emotional family one-onone events.
“Whether it was 2 a.m. or 2
p.m., they (troops) and their families needed to know we cared!” — both unscripted. Ralph Munro established the template for the Office of Secretary of State. No one worked harder or was more resolute. For him, Washingtonians were not Republicans or Democrats. They were people — our citizens. Considering he was often the only Republican state office holder, and, at times, Democrats controlled both legislative chambers, he worked for the common interest without personalizing differences.
Ralph Munro kept his dignity, sense of humor and convictions. He served us well! Hopefully, our elected officials today can emulate his style and follow in the Piper’s footsteps.
Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@ msn.com.
Keep our schools great
Fellow Islanders, I implore you to vote yes for the school bond issue this month. Our three daughters attended Mercer Island schools from kindergarten though graduation from our outstanding high school. We did not feel the need to send them to Lakeside or Overlake even though we could have paid for it because our schools were excellent and provided what each of our girls needed. They individually benefited from the gifted programs in grade school, American Studies, the Block program and the Alternative School program in high school. They were able to gain entrance to difficult colleges and excelled there. Mercer Island schools provided the best for each of them.
One of our daughters returned as a teacher at Islander Middle School where she had attended junior high. She was impressed with the excellence of the school system from the inside this time.
We are now 90 and 89 years old and have supported Mercer Island schools every time there is a vote. Our schools are great and we need to keep them great for our generations of students to come.
June Lindsey, Mercer Island
A no vote on Prop. 1 supports our students
Our kids need the best education possible, to prepare them for an increasingly uncertain future. Unfortunately, recent data suggest failure to deliver. 25% of our students do not meet grade-level science and math standards without remedial classes. In a recent district survey, fewer parents agreed with the statement: “This school is doing a good job of preparing students for a successful future.” And finally, over one-third of our students do not feel the district has prepared them for
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
success.
This information must factor into your vote on the proposed $165,000,000 bond. This bond will not lead to better academic achievement by our students. We first need a better plan on how such money could be spent to improve achievement, not a quick “windfall” from the taxpayers leading to more waste and another call in a few years for another bond.
Vote no with your neighbors on Prop. 1.
Ada Cheung, Mercer Island
School bond and fiscal responsibility
The Mercer Island School District (MISD) Board wiped out over $7 million in operations reserves in less than three years and was headed toward insolvency in 2023. The annual deficit grew to over $2.5 million, even though the budget was enhanced by federal COVID funds by about $5 million over four years (ending 2023). The board’s solution was to “borrow” $2 million from capital levy funds.
MISD faced insolvency again in 2024, so the board “transferred” $3.75 million from the capital levy to the operations budget and “paid off” the $2 million loan, while increasing employee headcount.
Insolvency loomed again in 2025, so the board “transferred” another $5 million.
What’s this got to do with the proposed MISD capital bond? The capital levy only amounts to $8 million/year; there’s not enough left (if any) after the transfers, to do much in the way of incremental capital improvements that normally are paid from levy funds. The board now proposes to fund these smaller projects from funds from the proposed capital bond.
I didn’t see any “essential” projects proposed for the bond funds, except for upgrading the fire alarm and HVAC
systems, which could be broken down into stand-alone smaller projects performed with levy funds over a few years.
I believe the fiscal irresponsibility is malfeasance and the transfer of funds from projects residents voted for to applications residents didn’t vote for is at least unethical and I will never vote for a MISD bond or levy again, unless drastic changes are made.
Dwight Schaeffer, Mercer Island
School bond misses the moment
Mercer Island voters should reject the proposed $231 million school bond. While investing in schools is important, this bond falls short — both educationally and financially.
The plan was developed with no classroom teachers on the Facilities Planning Committee (FPC), a 30-member group tasked with shaping the long-range facilities plan. No formal survey of teachers was conducted, and aside from two outreach sessions in 2023, teacher input is virtually absent from the final plan — despite their daily experience in our buildings.
Over several months, the committee reviewed four scenarios (A through D). Scenario A was the most educationally impactful, addressing elementary, middle, and high school needs. Many committee members supported it personally. But it was shelved due to concerns over political optics, particularly related to the now-abandoned idea of elementary school consolidation.
Instead, the district advanced Scenario C — the most politically viable but least beneficial to students. It completes the middle school and partially funds high See LETTERS, Page 7
DON C. BRUNELL COMMENTARY
For years, my home was full of pets: two cats and two dogs, all “rescues.” Over time, one by one, our animal companions died. First, Nile the cat, at age 19 or so. Then his sidekick, Sid. Next, we said a tearful goodbye to Mondo, our Jack Russell Terrier. Two years later, Poco, a Cairn Terrier, reached the end of his road. Without a dog, the house felt empty. Rather than adopt, we decided to choose a puppy that met all our criteria: a canine companion sturdy enough to trail-run with my husband, small enough to travel comfortably in a crate, and friendly with children and other dogs. While hiking last year in England, we’d met some adorable Border Terriers. This rough-coated British breed is affectionate, easygoing, fun-loving, and good with people, especially kids. Check. Check. Check. The search was on for a local breeder.
One name kept coming up: Tim Payne in Canby, Oregon, about a half-hour south of Portland. He was expecting a litter in December. Before agreeing to meet us, we had to complete a detailed
questionnaire. “Sheesh,” I said. “Imagine if you had to go through such a rigorous application to buy a gun!” Our answers seemed to satisfy Tim, who invited us down to Canby. “My current litter has five boys and a girl. Why don’t you meet them; see if one of them feels right. They’re only six weeks old, too young to separate from their mother, but you can play with them and get an impression.” We decided to stay overnight in Portland, and meet Tim and the pups the next morning. It was cold in January. So, even at full battery, starting out, my VW electric car had only 187 miles of “juice,” enough to reach a charging station in Vancouver, WA. But as we drove, remaining mileage dropped fast, making for a nail-biting ride. Pulling into the charging station, there were only 13 miles to spare. Whew!
That evening there wasn’t time to explore Portland’s downtown, but we enjoyed a fabulous fish dinner at Cabezon, in Hollywood, a vibrant Northeast neighborhood. We made a mental note to come back and explore the shops around Sandy Boulevard, maybe take in a movie at the Hollywood Theatre, built in 1926 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At Tim’s house, six puppies crawled all over us, tucking their little heads between our thighs and elbows. Even at that young age, some personality was starting to show. Each wearing a differentcolored collar, we tried to
whether the proposed projects are worth the risk of further interrupting our students’ education.
school improvements, while postponing upgrades to aging elementary schools for another decade or more. Scenario C wasn’t chosen because it was best for education — it was chosen because it was more likely to pass.
Financially, the district has described the bond as $165 million, but the actual cost with interest is $231 million. If passed, Mercer Island’s per-pupil spending would rise to $21,762, making it one of the highest in the region — ahead of Bellevue, Seattle, and Issaquah — while still leaving key needs unmet.
All of this comes as the district faces serious financial challenges, including service cuts and staff layoffs. Now is not the time to approve record debt for a limited plan built around what’s politically safe.
Let’s get our financial house in order and present a truly student-centered, inclusive plan. Until then, I urge the community to vote no on this bond.
Brian Gaspar, Mercer Island
Consider more affordable bonds
As a lifelong supporter of public education, I truly care about our schools and have consistently voted for measures that genuinely benefit our children. However, I have serious concerns about the upcoming bond and its potential impact on our students. If the bond passes, construction will begin in 2027, disrupting a cohort of kids who have already faced significant pandemic challenges. This added turmoil comes at a critical time in both middle and high school, especially when 1 in 4 MIHS students is not on track for college, according to the latest OSPI data. I find myself questioning
differentiate between Miss Pink and Mr. Green, etc. Messrs. Brown and Silver seemed the most alert and friendly. Tim, who had decades of breeding and judging experience, noted our preferences. “Come back in March, and we’ll figure out which one’s the best match for you,” he said. Meanwhile, we showed pictures to our nine- and five-year-old granddaughters. “So cute!” they exclaimed. “The color is like a mud puddle,” said one. “Let’s call it Muddle.” And so, a name was chosen.
On March 1st, it was time to drive down again and claim our puppy. Based
award-winning “Traveler,” a collapsible natural fiber hat that folds like an envelope won me over. Perfect for summer vacation.
We spent the rest of the afternoon browsing Powell’s vast book sections before dining at Mediterranean Exploration Company. Then, settled in comfy armchairs at Living Room Theater, we watched the Bob Dylan movie, “A Complete Unknown.”
In the morning, Muddle greeted us with enthusiastic tail-wagging and curious sniffing. For weeks, Tim had systematically exposed the pups to unfamiliar sounds, objects, people, and experiences.
Muddle was exceptionally chill, and followed us confidently. Stopping at a rest stop on the ride home, we marveled at how easily he allowed other dogs to approach him. Neither aggressive nor timid, he did his business, and returned to his crate without protest. In less than three weeks, Muddle has totally captured my heart. Look for us in the small dog run at Luther Burbank Park. He’s the cute puppy. I’m the one with stars in her eyes.
Meanderings is a travel column by Mindy Stern, a Mercer Island resident whose essays can be found at www. mindysternauthor.com.
As a single mother who raised two children and struggled to make ends meet, I find it difficult to justify the expenditure of tens of millions on highend facilities during such uncertain economic times, especially with projected
declining birthrates and 500 fewer students compared to 2019. Many families, including seniors and those facing financial challenges, simply cannot afford these “nice-to-have” projects.
Finally, asking an average household for $23,000 without a clear financial breakdown feels unreasonable. For the sake of the children still recovering
on temperament testing, Tim declared that Mr. Brown best-suited us. This time, we weren’t taking any chances on losing EV range. We drove the Honda Passport to Portland the night before, and checked into the Hyatt Regency near the convention center.
Tri-met, Portland’s light rail, stops right outside the hotel. Eighteen minutes after hopping on, we were downtown. Walking to Powell’s Books, we discovered Pinkham Millinery, a custom hat maker. The owner, Dayna Pinkham told us how and why she began making hats in 1982. After trying on straw and felt hats, the
from pandemic learning loss, I urge my fellow residents to vote “No” on this bond. Let’s prioritize essential projects and consider smaller, more manageable, and affordable bonds so that every family can continue to support our schools.
Emily Tadlock, Mercer Island
■ SupportVeteranNonprofits.
■ FreePickup&Towing.
DonateYourVehicleToday
■ TopTaxDeduction. DonateYourVehicle Call(877)225-8568todonate yourcar,truck,boat,RV, andmoretoday!
RitaS.Katz
January1,1937-March25,2025
BorninSmargon,Belarus, Ritawas4yearsoldwhen sheandherfamilyfled fromtheNaziswithapair ofscissors,apot,and littleelse.Afterhidingin aswampnearstarvation untiltheendofWWII,shereturnedbrieflytoher destroyedhometownbeforemakingherwaytothe SchlachtenseeDisplacedPersonsCampinBerlin. Aftertwoyearsoffood,learning,andsinginginthe DPcamp,relativesinSeattlesponsoredherandher familytoimmigratetotheUS. Uponarrivalin1947,RitaspokenoEnglish.She quicklymovedthroughelementaryschool,then proudlygraduatedfromGarfieldHighSchooland theUniversityofWashington.Shevaluedaboveall family,education,andherpersonalconnectiontoa higherbeing.Ritaembracedart,music,nature,and crosswordpuzzling.Shelovedherfamilyandgranddogs,andwasespeciallyknownforherbaking. Rita’searlylifehadaprofoundinfluenceonher valuesandhowsheviewedtheworld,includingher peacefuldeath.Shewasprecededindeathbyher belovedhusbandJerome,whoshemissedeveryday. Ritaissurvivedbyherlovingdaughtersandtheir families,ReneeKatz(Eric),CindyKatz(DavidVolk), andJulieKatz(AndrewHess),andgrandchildren, JoshRadman(Raegan),LeoraRadman(Blake Branch),ElieHess,HanaVolk,andNathanVolk. Charitabledonationsinhermemorymaybemade totheHolocaustCenterforHumanity,HIAS,YIVO Institute,theUWJerome&RitaKatzEndowed Fellowship,oracharityofyourchoice.
PHOTO BY MINDY STERN
challenges our city faces.”
In that same story, Jacobson said he ran for city council for “the opportunity to apply my experience as a leader of military, nonprofit and corporate entities, as a practicing lawyer, a construction manager and executive to the issues and problems challenging a city which I love and in which I have resided for 30 years.”
Since 1995, Jacobson served as executive vice president and director of Osborne Construction
Company. Earlier in life, Jacobson graduated from Princeton University in 1965 with a degree in politics; served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1974, including active duty in Vietnam, and later became the commanding officer of the USS Umpqua (ATA-209); and after earning his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School in 1977, he began practicing civil law in Seattle.Duringthistime,heearned the highest rating for legal competence and ethical standards from Martindale-Hubbell.
In his personal time, Jacobson walked the trails of Homestead Field with his beloved terriers, tended his garden (especially his
prized dahlias) and displayed his generosity, warmth and thoughtful nature by presenting bouquets to friends and neighbors.
When delving into the greatest lesson he learned during his time on council, he added in the 2020 Reporter story: “Mercer Island residents are incredibly generous with both time and treasure. By harnessing the spirited volunteerism of our community, we can and will make Mercer Island a better and more welcoming place for both residents and those who work, visit or otherwise experience Mercer Island.”
City councilmember Lisa Anderl said that Jacobson was a dear
friend and colleague and noted that his passing is a huge loss for his friends and the community.
“He brought passion and insight to all of the issues, and he cared deeply about the city and the residents of Mercer Island. His style was wonderfully direct — you always knew what he thought and where he stood. I think sometimes his directness came across as harsh, but he was one of the kindest and most compassionate people I have known,” Anderl said.
Benson Wong noted that he was privileged and honored to serve with Jacobson for a few years on the city council. Wong said that Jacobson’s voice will
undoubtedly be missed during council deliberations.
“As mayor of Mercer Island, I always counted on Jake to devote his time, energy and talent towards addressing and mitigating the adverse impact of COVID on the Town Center businesses,” said Wong, adding that Jacobson was one of the hardest working councilmembers during Wong’s council service. “I knew that he always studied the issues, was always prepared to contribute to the discussions, and to be a strong advocate for his positions. He was unwavering in this desire to do what he felt was best for the residents of Mercer Island.”
such a warm welcome that it will blow their minds. He’s grateful for all the hard work the band puts forth each time out.
“I know great performances like that don’t just happen. It’s a lot of commitment, it’s a lot of sacrifice, it’s a lot of fundraising,” he said.
Bone said that 16 high school and college bands will represent the United States at the parade, which attracts a street audience of around a half a million people each year. The parade is broadcast live on television across the globe and reached 340 million homes this year. The event features roughly 8,000 participants from 22 different countries. The route is situated in the center of London and performers will march past such iconic sights as Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and
Trafalgar Square.
Earlier in the event, Bixby — who directed the MIHS band at the 2011 London parade — told the crowd:
“This is an exciting morning for Mercer Island because we get to set our sights on a pretty ambitious project to take this band to London and see one of the greatest cities in the world from the best parade route on the planet.”
On the invitation front, Bixby told the Reporter that the MIHS marching band’s participation in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City began a conversation with the London selection group.
“They reviewed our readiness and our plan to participate, they looked at
Assembly
From Page 1
our participation in New York and offered us an invitation,” he said.
Bixby and Mercer Island School District Superintendent Fred Rundle told the crowd that the MIHS band has benefited from community support, fundraising and copious hours of rehearsals.
MIHS Principal Nick Wold said the band’s energy
difference for the silent victims, my voice mattered. It’s a subject that nobody wants to talk about. I wasn’t prepared for it in my life and I’m committed to educating others by transparency in sharing my recovery story journey,” Brooks told the Reporter. “Regardless of what adversity life throws at you, my goal is to inspire others. That despite what life throws at you, you’re stronger and more resilient than you can even fathom.”
Zaveri said she feels the assembly was a success and saw that the attendees were attentive from start to finish.
“That’s why we keep actually re-running it because we see that it is resonating with people. They’re pulled into the story,” said Zaveri, adding that they’ve received some feedback that the subject is maybe too raw and creates discomfort. “In a way, I think
and commitment is a labor of love.
“The reputation of our band has been a beautiful thing. The pride of the Island for many, many, many years and you get a chance to be a part of that legacy and a legacy of this beautiful parade,” he said after the parade dignitaries gifted the school a livery plate from Buckingham Palace.
Band directors Bixby and Kyle Thompson received coffee mugs that celebrate King Charles III’s 2023 coronation, and junior drum major Owen Clarkson was presented with an exclusive Westminster city pin. MIHS band members presented gift bags to their guests.
“We are absolutely thrilled that you will be coming to London for our 40th parade. Can’t think of a better group that we could possibly be inviting to come over and join us on our 40th celebration on January the 1st, 2026,” Bone said.
Following the event, Clarkson said the London parade will be huge,
fun and energetic. He discussed what drives the band to success: “Of course, we sound great. We put in a ton of work to sound and look great, but we also don’t compromise the energy of our performance to look perfect. For us, if it’s having energy and missing a note or two, we’re taking the energy 100%.”
Senior drum majors Julius Perez and Henry Newcomer are stoked to pave the way for the MIHS crew that will perform in London.
“It’s so exciting to see, knowing that this is my senior year, this is the time where I’m really giving everything back to the programs that have given so much to me,” said Perez, whose younger brother Rowan will head to London.
Newcomer added: “It’s really cool because I’ve been in the band since fifth grade and so I’ve kind of been able to see this whole culture shift and have been able to be a part of all these different trips and experiences (for him and others).”
that’skindofpositivebecauseyouneed to have uncomfortable conversations.
That’s why we’re doing it.” Talby relayed her feelings about being involved in the assembly: “It
seems like it just really has a big impact. For me personally, I’m just like so happy to be able to bring this and have theopportunitytoevendoanassembly like this here.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MERCER ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT
Sexual assault survivor Tami Brooks shares her story at the Mercer Island High School sexual assault awareness assembly on March 19.
ANDY NYSTROM/ STAFF PHOTO
From left, Steve Summers, chairman of The London Mayors’ Association, and Mercer Island High School marching band directors Parker Bixby and Kyle Thompson pose with the 2026 New Year’s Day London Parade invitation on April 2.
