Mercer Island High School senior Jake Bobman has been selected as one of three Washington state Scholars from the 41st Legislative district. The Washington Scholars Program recognizes the accomplishments of the top-three high-school seniors from each district on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Bobman will receive a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to be used at any public or independent college in Washington. He will be recognized for his achievements by Govenor Christine Gregoire and the Legislature on Washington Scholar’s Day on April 25 in Olympia. Bobman’s proud parents are Karen and Bruce Bobman.

Driver’s ed changes

On September 1, 2007, a new code requiring six hours of behind-the-wheel experience for driver’s in training will go into effect.

The change will keep public-school Traffic Safety Education program requirements in alignment with commercial driving school requirements. For more information go to www.k12.wa.us/.

Sister City Scholarship

The Mercer Island Sister City Association is offering a $500 scholarship for each of two students to participate the annual summer exchange program with Mercer Island’s sister city, Thonon les Bains, France. The program features a homestay in Thonon with a French family that has a high school student. The Mercer Island student will go to Thonon for three weeks in July 2007 and the French student will come to Mercer Island for three weeks in August.

Applicants must be: high school students, residents of Mercer Island, proficient in French, and able to host the French student for three weeks in August. For information and an application, contact Kathy Medlock 275-1045 kathymedlock@msn.com or Jane Meyer Brahm 232-0701 meyermi@comcast.net. The application deadline is April 16.

MIPA’s Circus is coming to town

The Mercer Island Preschool Association CIRCUS (formerly Circus McGurkus) is set from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at Mercer Island High School 9100 S.E. 42nd St.

The circus has all kinds of activities and fun for kids up to age 8. There are games, prizes, food and even pony rides. Admission is FREE, however there is $.50 per ticket. Most games cost one ticket. Kids can earn prizes by simply enjoying the games! For information go to www.mipreschool association.org.

MIYFS summer volunteer registration

Registration for the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services for two youth volunteer programs: Volunteer Outreach in Communities Everywhere (VOICE) for high school youth, and Summer Volunteer Program (SVP) for middle school youth, continues through April 15. Go to www.mercergov.org/ for information on how to register.

Schools Foundation gets $200,000 at breakfast

The Mercer Island Schools Foundation (MISF) has announced that its fourth annual Breakfast of Champions raised more than $200,000, more than 25 percent more than its previous record.

“The business and Mercer Island community continues to invest in our schools and teachers ensuring we can deliver outstanding education to all students in our district,” said Dr. Cyndy Simms, MISD Schools Superintendent. “This incredible outpouring of generosity will continue to help us attract and retain the best teachers possible.”

More than 400 people attended the breakfast fundraiser held March 27, at Mercer Island High School. The foundation honored the district’s teachers who have earned National Board Certification, a prestigious distinction for educators who demonstrate standards-based excellence.

“Business sponsors, donation-matching angels and community attendees were key to breaking our fundraising records,” said Dirk Van der Burch, president of the MISF board. “And we are delighted to give 10 percent of the funds raised go to Bailey Gatzert Elementary School in Seattle where there are fewer community resources.”

For more information go to www.mercerislandschoolsfoundation.com.

Art Institute to offer degree in filmmaking

The Art Institute of Seattle has announced that it has been approved by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities to begin offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in digital filmmaking and video production. The program will begin this summer.

For more information go to www.artinstitutes.edu.