that if they don’t do the work, they won’t graduate,” said MIHS teacher Patricia Malatesta.

Meanwhile, seniors and teachers are cramming as much work in the waning two-week window period as they can.

May 12 is deadline day. By that time, unless a student has a pre-approved extension, all seniors must submit their reflective project essay and online log.

And the teachers, who are just as stressed as the seniors, have their own deadline. Each must finish grading his or her students’ work by the first day of project presentations, May 19. The two-day event, which is open to the entire high school, parents and members of the community, is a circus to organize in itself.

Although this is the school’s second time around in presentations (63 early-deadline students presented their work in January) this month’s group — four times the size of last semester’s — is an entirely new challenge. Much of last Thursday’s meeting was devoted to solving logistical and technical issues; how to direct the flow of students between classrooms, the amount of time each senior has to set up his or her presentation, and finding enough parking space for visiting parents and members of the community.

“It should be an event that ties us in with the community — Rotary Club members, parents and mentors. Our community is wonderful to the school district and we need to recognize that,” said Malatesta.

The stress of potential non-graduates aside, the committee is looking forward to a stimulating and festive two days of presentations.

After all, when Mercer Island students do complete a project, they seldom fail to impress.

PROJECT