KIRKLAND .com
REPORTER
A DIVISION OF SOUND PUBLISHING
New private high school set to open BY RAECHEL DAWSON rdawson@kirklandreporter.com
S
ixteen-year-old Katie Burkett wants to be a mineralogist. And typical high school events, such as prom or pep assemblies, were never a big deal to her. Instead, she’s looking forward to “flipped” learning at her new private high school L&E Academy that will allow her to work on individualized projects so she can advance her interest in earth sciences. “I’ve been through public and home school,” Katie said. “I’m looking forward to being able to build up my education around things I want to do.” The Kirkland high school L&E Academy, which stands for “Leadership and Entrepreneurial Academy,” will begin on Sept. 3 at Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church and is for kids who haven’t quite found the right fit. “Maybe they’ve been
homeschooled and they’re used to having a lot of say in how they learn and they tried public school and tried the system but it felt really regimented and they want more of a voice,” said founder and Executive Director Maureen O’Shaughnessy. “Maybe students have been frustrated with the pace and they want to go at their own speed, faster or slower.” A former principal of Kaplan Academy online and Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle, O’Shaughnessy said she and her colleagues identified a real need for alternative learning as state funding continues to falter. Instead of waiting for charter schools to come about, O’Shaughnessy took matters into her own hands with the help of many educators this past winter. Now, Katie’s mom and robotics coach Heidi Burkett, who will be the humanities director; former
NEWSLINE: 425.822.9166
BUSINESS CLOSURE | Health Department closes Summer Crush Shave Ice due to health hazards [3]
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2013
Angels for Animals | Dooley’s Dog House owners recognized for compassion with award [10]
Burglars | Police seek help to identify burglars [7]
Host team snags second
Above, Lisa Nelson, a player for the Kirkland host team, drives the ball during the Junior Softball World Series at Everest Park last weekend. The Kirkland team placed second overall. Last year, the team placed third. Right, The host team represented Washington Little League District 9. The roster includes Tori Bivens, Carly Campana, Alex Hanger, Kayla Henry, Tatum Kawabata, Juliana Lynch, Lisa Nelson, Gianna Paribello, Brynn Radke, Natalie Vetto, Hannah Walker and Kristina Warford. Nolan Radke is the team’s manager, assisted by coaches Steve Bivens and John Warford. The event, which took place Aug. 11-17, drew nearly 2,000 spectators, while the championship game on Saturday drew an estimated 10,000 people to Everest Park. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIM NELSON
MORE PHOTOS ONLINE… kirklandreporter.com
[ more SCHOOL page 9 ]
Bothell boy killed on I-405 in Kirkland, struck by multiple vehicles subject, when laying on the roadway, was struck several times by different cars.” A 16-year-old Bothell Webb said one person boy was killed on stopped at the Interstate 405 in scene and another Kirkland Saturday called state patrol morning. to let them know Lukas Defiesta’s they had hit the body was found near boy but he estiexit 22, which leads mates there was to the Northeast probably more 160th Street bridge Lukas Defiesta than two vehicles overpass between the that hit the teen. Evergreen Hill and Defiesta’s cause north Juanita neighborof death was from blunt hoods. force injuries of the head, “They’re looking at it as trunk and extremities, ache either jumped or fell,” cording to the King County said Washington State Medical Examiner’s Office. Patrol Trooper Chris Webb. The freeway was closed “But the disturbing part for a few hours Saturof that incident was the BY RAECHEL DAWSON
rdawson@kirklandreporter.com
day morning during the investigation, which is still ongoing. Washington State Patrol detectives are seeking witnesses to Defiesta’s death. Anyone who may have observed the victim, who was wearing pants, tennis shoes, a black sweatshirt with large headphones or believe they may have struck an object in the area around 4:40 a.m. on Saturday are urged to call Sergeant Detective Stacey Moate, (425) 401-7745, or Detective Greg Wilcoxson at (425) 401-7746. Friends and family members placed roses, notes to Defiesta, photos and other
items that reminded them of the teen on the Northeast 160th Street freeway overpass. Tea lights were lined along the south side of the bridge, as if there was a recent memorial. “… It will never be the same without you. You never failed to put a smile on everyone’s face. God gained a new angel. Rest in paradise Lukas, I’ll see you eventually,” said a letter signed “your drunk best friend.” Other letters and notes said Defiesta was his friend’s “anchor” and helped his friend through many “rocky situations.” Another said, “Defiesta, I love you man.
Lukas Defiesta’s friends and family placed flowers and candles along the Northeast 160th Street freeway overpass where the 16-year-old fell to his death early Saturday. RAECHEL DAWSON, Kirkland Reporter Remember to pre-game and post-game in heaven.” And others commended
him for his kindness, support, understanding and love.