Global Grub & Groove Returns for Third Year

BY LINDSEY PINKSTON Highlands Council Executive Director

Planning is now in full swing for the return of the popular Issaquah Highlands Global Grub & Groove summer series with celebrations of Juneteenth, Indonesian/Malaysian cultures and Indian Independence Day.

The 2023 season will kick off with our now-traditional celebration of Juneteenth on Friday, June 16, as we welcome back musician Michael Powers for a fun music-filled evening. The event is free for all to attend--including music, art and a taste of Juneteenth traditions (red velvet cupcakes, anyone?) as well as food for purchase from Where Ya At, Matt? food truck.

July’s Global Grub & Groove event on Friday, July 21, will celebrate the cultures of Indonesia and Malaysia through the eyes and hearts of neighbors. As we go to press, planning is still in progress, but attendees can expect to enjoy traditional music and dance performances, art and tasty Indonesian street food from Bumbu truck.

In August, all are invited to join friends and neighbors to celebrate Indian Independence Day on Friday, Aug. 11. Volunteers are hard at work planning this celebration, which will include a variety of entertainment including classical and modern Indian music and dance, henna tattoos, art, food and an introduction to the game of cricket.

Each Global Grub & Groove event is held on a Friday evening, from 6-8 p.m., in Village Green Park. All events are free to attend and offer fun for all ages. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to make the show more enjoyable, and feel free to pack a picnic or purchase food at the event that represents the culture being honored. Invite a friend or neighbor and make a night of it! In case of bad weather, the party will go on–we’ll simply move the festivities inside Blakely Hall.

Thank you to our generous partners and funding from 4Culture, Issaquah Art Commission, the Issaquah Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and Visit Issaquah for making these events possible.

Get Involved!

Want to share your culture with the community at a Global Grub and Groove event? Contact Cece Kennedy at cece.k@ihcouncil.org.

Issaquah Highlands 2022-23 Reflections Finalists

Reflections congratulates all the incredible Issaquah Highlands student artists for their imaginative brilliance!

• Film Finalist: Kiaan Chopra

• Music Composition Finalist: Anika Iyer

• Photography Finalist: Ruofan Han

• Visual Arts Finalists: Cassidy Hoffman, Abiegail Ahn, Allison Choi, Karen Chen, Shareen Qaisrani, Yuchan Zachary Na, Deeya Chokkapu, Lana Elmusharaf, Arjun Iyer, Elijah Sewell, Arya Shitikond, Cruise Skokos, Iva Upadhyay, & Eric Zhang.

PTSA and Booster Club Offer Senior Scholarships

Issaquah High PTSA encourages students to continue their education after graduation by offering multiple scholarships for tech/vocational pursuits as well as twoyear community colleges and four-year universities. Students applying must be in good academic standing and demonstrate a commitment to furthering education. Senior scholarships support students who've shown significant personal and academic growth throughout their IHS career. Eligibility includes students currently enrolled at IHS, with 2.0 or higher G.P.A, who are committed to furthering their education after graduation. Applications are due April 17. For more details, visit IssaquahHighPTSA.org.

The Issaquah High School Booster Club is also awarding senior scholarships! Every spring, scholarships valued at $1,000 or more are awarded to selected IHS graduating seniors. Applications and requirements can be found online: IHSBoosters.org. Don’t delay –applications are due in mid-April.

The ARC of King County: Preparing for Life after High School

The King County School-to-Work Program (S2W) is a system-wide partnership that connects students with developmental disabilities to employment services. The S2W team is putting on a series of informational virtual events geared toward transition-aged students and their families via Zoom on Thursday, April 20, from 6-7:30 p.m. The virtual events will provide information about employment, life after school, resources and more. Live interpretation services are available at all events, with the ability to accommodate other language/accessibility needs. Contact 206-477-7661 or S2Wreports@kingcounty. gov for additional information or alternative languages. Join the series by Zoom ID: 894 1805 2863.

Join the Grand Ridge Elementary PTSA 2023 Cultural Fair

Grand Ridge Elementary PTSA is excited to bring back the Cultural Fair on Tuesday, April 25, from 6-8 p.m. The Cultural Fair is an exciting and educational event designed to celebrate the rich diversity of cultures represented at Grand Ridge. Everyone is encouraged to share their heritage with friends and the community. Volunteers are needed to help the PTSA—as part of the planning group or hosting a country booth or offering a helping hand. Email grptsapresident@gmail. com for more information.

Support the “Nourish Every Mind” Fundraiser

Issaquah Schools Foundation’s annual “Nourish Every Mind” fundraising event is coming up on April 27! ISF creates limitless opportunities for students by leveraging unparalleled and trusted partnerships across the community. The foundation manages more than 40 programs and champions innovative ideas throughout ISD, filling gaps not funded by Washington state. Please help fuel success for our students by attending, learning more about the foundation, and donating to support students. Your entire donation goes directly to support for students. The Student Showcase Program takes place at the Issaquah Community Center from 12-1 p.m. Doors open at 11 a.m.

Tour the World in One Night at the IMS Multicultural Fair

The PTSA Multicultural Fair at Issaquah Middle School is a family event showcasing the wonderful cultural diversity within our school—through food, entertainment and information. This year's Multicultural Fair will be held April 27 at 6 p.m. Some previously featured nations include Korea, Mexico, Malaysia, Peru, Pakistan, Sweden and the United States. Interested in joining the fun or volunteering to help-out? Email programs@issaquahmiddleptsa.org.

Donate Lunches for Spring Break

School breaks are usually a joyous time for children. However, for some children, breaks can be a period when their family doesn't have enough food. “Lunch for the Break” works to make sure all ISD students have enough to eat when school is not in session. Donating helps relieve stress for families by providing meals to kids who normally receive school lunches. Consider donating groceries or money to help families within our community. Details at LunchForTheBreak.com.

Learn about IHS’s Running Start Program

Running Start enables high school juniors and seniors to enroll in college courses numbered 100 or above while simultaneously completing their high school education, thereby earning dual credits. Running Start is similar to other dual enrollment programs common at public and private colleges and universities in other states. For more information and specifics on Issaquah High School’s Running Start program, visit bit.ly/3IAmiDR.

ISD Seeking Volunteers for Senior Exit Interviews

Seniors are required to complete an exit interview prior to graduation, with the purpose of providing students with interview experience and gain feedback on student preparedness. Volunteers interview four or five senior students per hour with other volunteers. To learn more and sign-up, visit bit.ly/3m9FgcT.

Utilize PTSA College & Career Planning Webinars

For juniors and seniors looking toward the future...Issaquah High PTSA partners with outstanding college application advisors and business leaders to provide guidance on college applications and career pursuits— from the comfort of your own home. Taped recordings, slides, presentations and links from college and career planning Webinars are available at IssaquahHighPTSA.org.

Summer Counseling Opportunities for Middle and High School Students

Counselor-In-Training (CIT) applications and information for 2023 are now available! In a span of three weeks, students will learn valuable leadership and confidence-building skills, make new friends and create lasting memories as a CIT. The program is designed for teens entering grades 8-11, who are enthusiastic, responsible, hardworking and love everything camp. Send questions to daycamps@issaquahwa.gov or call 425-837-3388.