Special to the Reporter
The Mercer Island School District (MISD) held a special ceremony on March 5 to honor the many winners and participants of the 2024-2025 Reflections Program, a program that encourages students to express themselves through the arts.
The evening was made possible by the hard work of many, including Fred Rundle, the superintendent of MISD, who spoke at the event, as well as Julie Hsieh, the program vice president for the Mercer Island PTA Council. Bill Hankes, a literature judge, also played a vital role in selecting the exceptional pieces of work, while Julian Bradley, the MI PTA Council president, handed out the awards to the students. The evening’s success was also due to the efforts of the MI PTA Council Reflections chairs, Kaitlyn Lee and Kate Chung, whose dedication ensured the program’s smooth execution. Susie Vannatter emceed the event and Amy Leonard Hartman ran the technical presentation.
The Reflections Program provides students with the opportunity to explore and develop their artistic talents in various categories, including visual arts, music composition, dance choreography, literature and film production.
The evening also featured a preview of next year’s theme, which will be “I Belong.” The theme aims to inspire students to explore their sense of identity and belonging, and how they connect with the world around them.
As the evening concluded, the PTA Council extended its heartfelt congratulations to all students involved in the Reflections Program, encouraging them to continue nurturing their creative passions.
To view the list of winners, visit: https://www.mi-reporter.com/news/misd-students-shine-in-reflections-arts-program/
Adrit Pradeepkumar, Reflections Program Primary Music Composition winner, with Mercer Island School District Superintendent Fred Rundle. Pradeepkumar is the Outstanding Interpretation winner at the statewide level and is headed to nationals. He was one of numerous local winners. Photo courtesy of Julie Hsieh
Skylar Vannatter, Reflections Program Pre-Primary Dance Choreography winner, with Mercer Island School District Superintendent Fred Rundle. She was one of many local winners. Photo courtesy of Julie Hsieh
