The Mercer Island Fine Arts Advisory Council was honored for community service by the Mercer Island School District on May 18.

Nominated by Superintendent Donna Colosky, the Fine Arts Council received the Community Recognition Award from the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) at a luncheon in Renton. Accepting the award on behalf of the Council were Patricia Pelter, Marni Sheppard, Alice Finch and Anne Hritzay. They were joined by David Bentley, Mercer Island High School and Islander Middle School music teacher, who serves as the district’s fine arts coordinator.

For five decades, the Mercer Island Fine Arts Advisory Council has dedicated itself to supporting arts education as it partners with the MISD. The tireless work and deep passion this exceptional group represents is an invaluable asset to the maintenance and enhancement of this critical content area for all Mercer Island students.

The Council raises funds from the Mercer Island community, granting organizations and business sponsors to support arts education in the schools. The annual two-night Fine Arts Showcase spring fundraiser has been a tradition for over 30 years. Showcase combines dazzling performances by all Mercer Island Schools musical groups, and visual arts displays from all classes as well as every elementary art student in the district. All proceeds from this event go directly to supporting the Fine Arts in the MISD. To learn more about the Mercer Island Fine Arts Advisory Council, visit mifineartsed.org.