While admittedly we are one of the many families that moved from Seattle to Mercer Island for the excellent schools, I had no idea how far the definition of excellent schools extended.

I’ve been so impressed by my kids’ teachers and administrators from the start, but over the past couple of years I’m also so appreciative of Todd Kelsay, the MISD transportation director.

Beginning in January, on Friday mornings before school, we have had 70-80 elementary school students running in preparation for the MI 5K but also just to get kids’ brains cells firing before school (thanks to all of the studies highlighting how important exercise is for brains).

Todd has been so supportive by helping coordinate buses for these runners to get to their respective schools on time, and if it weren’t for him and his super friendly drivers, there’s no way we’d be able to offer this program to non-Lakeridge students.

So a huge congratulations to all the kids that ran this past weekend, but also a huge thank you to Todd Kelsay and our school district for supporting them.

I only wish other school districts were as fortunate as we are!

Susan Empey