Mercer Island High School senior Kyle Gerstel received the Lu Flannery Outstanding Journalist Award from the Washington Journalism Education Association. The award — which includes a $2,000 scholarship — recognizes one Washington state senior who has made significant contributions to their journalism program. In the theater realm, Gerstel took first place at the annual Shakespeare Competition in Seattle with a performance of Romeo’s balcony speech from “Romeo and Juliet” and sonnet 138. The English-Speaking Union (ESU) of the United States Seattle branch’s event took place on March 2 at the Women’s University Club. He will perform at the ESU National Shakespeare Competition at the end of April in New York City. Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island School District