The Mercer Island PTA Council was honored for community service by the Mercer Island School District on May 12.

Nominated by Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano, the PTA 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 copresident Debbie Hanson, Parent Edge cochair Kathy Middleton and Reflections chair Jocelyn Barber.

For decades, the Mercer Island PTA Council has dedicated itself to advocacy for children as it partners with the Mercer Island School District. The council serves the six PTA/PTSA units on Mercer Island, which contribute significant donations to the schools themselves and afterschool and enrichment programs.

“Our PTAs provide incredible support for our schools, day in and day out,” Dr. Plano said.

The council, led by outstanding co-presidents Debbie Hanson and Mary Kay Woolston, supports the Mercer Island schools community by awarding up to 40 college scholarships annually, providing advocacy for full funding of education, and supporting the city of Mercer Island’s efforts to maintain its Interstate 90 mobility.

It also provides a popular series of speakers on parenting and child development through Parent Edge and coordinates the annual Reflections arts competition.

Dr. Plano, who is retiring from the district on June 30, was also recognized along with other retiring school administrators at the event.