Student swims around Island for charity
By REPORTER STAFF
Mercer Island Reporter Staff
August 25, 2009 · Updated 2:54 PM
Misha Terentjev is one dedicated and enthusiastic swimmer. After swimming all the way around Mercer Island last week for charity, those working at the Children’s Institute for Learning Differences (CHILD) thinks so, too.
Swimming the 15-mile distance solo on Aug. 19, Terentjev raised $1,000 in donations to support the Children’s Institute for Learning Differences (CHILD). He chose to support CHILD for his MIHS senior project after getting to know several CHILD students while working with them as swim buddies. Located on Mercer Island, the school provides innovative programs and therapies that promote social, emotional and academic development for children with special needs.
“We are truly impressed that our students have had such an impact on Misha, and we are thrilled that he has chosen CHILD as the benefactor of his efforts,” said Trina Westerlund, founder and executive director of CHILD.
The Mercer Island High School senior was accompanied by his friend, Kyle Nakagaki, who voiced words of encouragement as he swam the length and breadth of the Island’s waters.
After his swim, Terentjev presented CHILD staff members Shannin Redington and Naphtali Doner with a $1,000 contribution. Although his swim is over, Terentjev is still collecting donations.
The nonprofit, established in 1977, currently serves 50 children (pre-K through 12th grade) full-time on the Mercer Island campus.
The program was recently awarded the KCTS Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Education and was nominated for PSBJ’s “Washington’s Best Workplaces 2009” in the nonprofit category.
More information can be found at www.childrensinstitute.com.
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