Local students address MI City Council about proclamation
Published 1:00 pm Monday, September 8, 2025
Text of public testimony delivered by St. Monica Catholic School middle schoolers at the Mercer Island City Council meeting on September 2:
“Honorable Mayor Nice and members of the Mercer Island City Council,
On behalf of the children, families, faculty, and staff of St. Monica Catholic School, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the City of Mercer Island’s proclamation in support of our community. In light of the tragic events at Annunciation School in Minneapolis, our community has felt the weight of sorrow and uncertainty that comes when violence strikes a school setting, and we know that we are not alone in this feeling.
Your acknowledgment of the importance of safe schools and your recognition of the fundamental right for people to practice their faith without fear of persecution has been deeply meaningful for our students, teachers, and parents. Knowing that the City of Mercer Island stands with us — and values both safety and religious freedom — provides reassurance and stability during a time when so many of us have felt shaken.
We are especially grateful for the presence and partnership of the Mercer Island Police Department, and we would like to say a special note of things to Mayor Nice and Interim Police Chief Michelle Bennett for proactively, providing more patrols and coverage for our school, and our back to school Mass last week. MIPD’s visibility and support helped our children and families feel safer as we come to school each day. The knowledge that our city leaders and public safety officers are working together to protect our schools and our church affirms to our youngest learners that their well-being truly matters.
Our students are grateful. Our teachers and administrators are grateful. And our whole parish community is grateful. Your proclamation reminds us that Mercer Island is committed to safeguarding the values of community, security, and religious liberty.
Thank you, Mayor and Councilmembers, for standing with our children, our educators, and our faith community. Your leadership has brought comfort in uncertain times, and your support strengthens our confidence that Mercer Island will remain a place where children can learn and grow in safety, and where families can practice their faith.”
