Ask any global leader, star athlete, trailblazing scientist or successful entrepreneur how they achieved their success, and without a doubt, their answer will include words like “hard work” and “determination.”
But those who are changing and improving the world we live in will also undoubtedly attribute their success to a community who supported and encouraged their hard work every step of the way. A community that prioritized outstanding education and consistently turned its curious kids into thoughtful, insightful adults. A community whose investments prepared them mentally and emotionally to navigate the world when success seemed like an impossibility.
Mercer Island is one of these communities. It has, time and again, proven that it highly values outstanding education. The proof is all around us. For example, this year, 11 Mercer Island High School seniors were selected to be National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. The Tournament of Roses once again selected the MIHS marching band to be part of the Rose Parade in 2019. Year after year, several elementary and middle school Destination Science teams advance to state- and national-level competitions. Our investment is making a real-world impact.
This coming Monday and Tuesday evening, the Mercer Island Schools Foundation will hold its annual Phone-a- Thon “All in for Kids!” Phones will ring across the island as friends call friends and neighbors, asking for their continued support for students and their teachers. By answering that call, you’re choosing to become part of something special. Everyone who donates to the Mercer Island Schools Foundation is personally investing in our community, in our schools, and in every Mercer Island students’ success.
The financial investment you make in our schools will help to provide cutting-edge curriculum, classroom enrichment programs, fine arts equipment and professional development. YOUR investment ensures our kids not only have the tools they need to learn and achieve, but it provides them unique opportunities both in and out of the classroom that will continually nurture their curiosity. Your investment also provides our teachers the resources they need to help every student, whether they’re soaring or struggling, to reach their full potential.
Please don’t hesitate to answer the call next week. Take the opportunity to be part of this community-wide effort to empower our students to become the best they can be. Together, we provide the foundation for the next generation of compassionate, intelligent and hard-working global citizens.
Hilary Doroski is vice president of the Mercer Island Schools Foundation.
Phone-a-Thon donations are accepted by mail: PO Box 1243, Mercer Island, WA 98040 or online: misf.com/donate.
