REPORTER
Mercer Island www.mi-reporter.com
MI | THIS WEEK Artist reception
Serving the Mercer Island community since 1947
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 | 75¢
Scuba, scores, calculus, and caring
Blue water portrait
A new MIVAL art show for March, featuring works by Island artist Marianne Bond, begins with a reception between 5:30 and 8 p.m., Friday March 2 at the MIVAL Gallery at Avellino Apartments, 2836 78th Ave. S.E.
Learn about KCLS library eBooks
High school senior project topics run the gamut
Wondering how to get started with KCLS eBooks? Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions to the Mercer Island Library at 10 a.m. Feb. 25.
By Mary L. Grady
editor@mi-reporter.com
Celebrate song this weekend Two fabulous choices for great music are here this weekend on the Island. First up is The Total Experience Gospel Choir will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church. The performance is free, but donations are accepted. Or come to hear the Northwest musical duo, Reilly and Maloney at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25 at Youth Theater Northwest. For tickets, ($17) go to brownpapertickets.com or call 1-800-838-3006.
French ‘conversation evening’ is Feb. 28 The Mercer Island Sister City Association is holding a French conversation evening at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28, at the home of Beth Brennen. The evening will be very informal, and intended for anybody who wants to improve his/her French. All levels of French are welcome! For more information, location address and driving directions, contact Beth Brennen 232-7650 or Monica Howell 232-2983.
Republican caucuses meet March 3 at IMS King County Republican Party Caucuses will meet March 3. All Island precincts will meet at Islander Middle School, 8235 S.E. 72nd St. Participants must bring their voter registration card and photo ID. The doors open at 9 a.m. and the pooled caucus begins at 10. For information, email jadunbar@comcast.net.
Molly Goldberg / Contributed Photo
Molly Goldberg, a Mercer Island High School senior, is working on becoming a certified scuba diver for her senior/culminating project. Her project also includes learning underwater photography.
Islander graduate is ‘almost an Idol’ Mercer Island High School grad makes it to ‘Hollywood Week’ on American Idol By Linda Ball
lball@mi-reporter.com
Out of about 80,000 people who wanted to be the next American Idol, 2011 Mercer Island High School graduate Danny Lacker, made it to the Hollywood round in the 11th season of the popular singing competition. Although the top 24 for the season are already known by insiders, it’s a pretty big deal to make it as far as Lacker did considering the thousands that turn out to audition in various cities across the U.S. He auditioned in Portland, Ore. last summer, making three trips with his dad, William Lacker, before being handed his ‘golden ticket’ to Hollywood. Lacker’s father, William said what is seen on television just
going back next year,” his father said. “I think he was just tired, worn out from the whole thing.”
Lacker was a member of the jazz choir at MIHS for three years, excelling at both choir and theater said Tom Cox, the choir scratches the surface. director. Cox said the student was Thousands of hopefuls are awarded the Ella Fitzgerald Vocal eliminated long before the tele- Jazz award at the end of his senior vision audience tunes in. It is year. He was also voted “most chaotic and intense. Lacker said likely to win a Grammy” by his it was nerve wracking. peers. The singer is also a master “Working with the other con- beat boxer, which is a form of testants was so much fun,” he vocal percussion, he added. said. “But they’re all really talHe watched for his former stuented.” dent on the television show. Despite the pressure, Lacker “I saw him for a nanosecond made it through waving his yellow to the all-impor- In 2011, Lacker ticket when he made tant audition it to Hollywood,” before celebrity was named ‘most Cox said. judges Randy likely to win a Cox emphasized Jackson, Jennifer that there are many Lopez and Steven Grammy’ by his layers to go through Tyler. But he did MIHS classmates. before a contestant not move on. gets in front of the Singing “My judges, so his stuFunny Valentine,” for the judges, dent went far. Lacker said he didn’t remain true Lacker’s individual audition to the song. He was tired. before the judges did not air. He is thinking about trying He was hesitant to say much again. more for this story, citing I’m disappointed, but life goes American Idol rules to stay mum on, and there’s always next year,” until the show wraps on air. he said. “We’re trying to talk him into Idol | Page 2
In order to graduate from high school in Washington state, seniors must complete what is termed a culminating project. Students select a topic that they can pursue in depth by applying the skills and knowledge they have gained in high school. Students are encouraged to something they are passionate about. The seniors will present their topics in March. The projects of five students illustrate the range of topics that students chose. Elizabeth N. Starnes is composing a song for trumpet, her musical instrument of choice. For her proposal she wrote:
Projects | Page 3
The Mercer Island High School boys swim team took second at state last weekend. See Sports on page 7 for details.