28 Islanders graduate from police Citizen’s Academy | City briefs

Citizen’s Academy class graduates 28

On May 10, 28 Islanders graduated from the Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) 2017 Citizen’s Academy.

Citizens completed a seven-week course to earn their Certificate of Participation. MIPD Officers Tim Derr and CJ Hawley hosted the academy for the first time, and several other officers assisted with teaching the specialized courses, including members of Marine Patrol, Investigations, Evidence, Traffic and others.

Depending on interest, MIPD will either run the academy annually or every other year, according to the Mercer Island Police and Emergency Management Facebook page.

Mercer Island named ‘Playful City’

Across the country, 258 cities and towns, including Mercer Island, earned recognition from nonprofit KaBOOM! as 2017 Playful City USA communities for their efforts to increase play opportunities for children.

This is the 10th year the city’s Parks and Recreation Department has received this award, which recognizes ongoing dedication to play and healthy living opportunities. Mercer Island offers diverse options, including the award-winning Adventure Playground, Movies in the Park, campouts and letterboxing.

For more, contact Recreation Superintendent Diane Mortenson at 206-275-7861.

YFS promotes mental health awareness in May campaign

The city of Mercer Island’s Department of Youth and Family Services (YFS) and art students at Mercer Island High School have partnered to create the “Be Kind to Your Mind” media campaign to support Mental Health Awareness Month (throughout May).

Led by Tambi Cork, the project coordinator for the Healthy Youth Initiative (HYI), art students competed to create the poster design. Winning entries came from Ms. Totten’s A.P. Photography class, submitted by students Rory Murphy (‘17) and Jasmine Lau (‘17).

“Youth across the state, just as on Mercer Island, report rates of depression and anxiety that are unacceptably high (Grade 10 Mercer Island = 25%; State = 34%, according to the 2016 WA Healthy Youth Survey), but rates can drop if more youth understand that mental health care is available and that it works,” Cork said.

The awareness campaign will be featured in all six Mercer Island public schools and throughout the community during the month of May. The HYI is a collaborative project that brings together youth, professionals and parents to foster youth wellness through community initiatives.