Celebrating graduates: Personalized Grad Grams sales continue

May 8, 2023 8:30 am
Courtesy graphic
Courtesy graphic

Special to the Reporter

For more than 40 years, the Mercer Island community has joined together to recognize the school district’s fifth-, eighth-, 12th- (and now preschool and kindergarten, as well) graduates through its Grad Grams program. It’s once again the time of year for family, friends, residents and businesses to send Grad Grams to students who have completed a pivotal academic chapter of their lives.

Priced at $6 a piece, Grad Grams directly fund the Mercer Island Community Scholarship, which is administered by the Mercer Island PTA Council. The council collaborates with the Mercer Island High School (MIHS) PTSA and MIHS administration and staff on this scholarship program, which honors 25 graduating MIHS seniors “who demonstrate leadership, resiliency, and a passion for learning; and are positive contributors to both their classroom and community,” according to Aly Burks, vice president of programs for MI PTA Council.

Grad Grams are printed on parchment paper and sent through the mail. Senders can personalize the Grams with a 200-character message to graduates. Grad Grams can also be sent to private school students on the Island or in neighboring communities. To purchase Grad Grams, visit https://miptacouncil.membershiptoolkit.com/grad-gram. Orders will be accepted until June 15, though orders must be placed by May 20 to ensure early bird pricing and arrival before MIHS graduation.

“It is so important to continue this tradition because it demonstrates how the community values recognizing its students, both through the Grams and the scholarships they fund,” Burks expressed. “From our community’s residents and parents to our educators, businesses and donors, everyone has an opportunity to play a role in recognizing and celebrating our graduates.”

The Community Scholarship program is funded entirely by the purchase of Grad Grams and direct donations to the Mercer Island Community Scholarship Program. MI PTA Council hopes to reach the 2,500 mark for Grad Gram sales with each MIHS graduate receiving at least one Grad Gram.