Senior recognized with leadership award

Carsten Hansen, a senior at Lake Washington High School, is this year’s recipient of the Brian Gershon Environmental Leadership Award from the East Lake Washington Audubon Society (ELWAS).

This award recognizes current or prospective Environmental Studies students who have demonstrated leadership in conservation. Hansen will be presented with a check for $500 at the ELWAS monthly meeting on Thursday, June 26, at 8 p.m.

Hansen plans to attend Dartmouth College and pursue a double major in Environmental Studies and Economics.

Instrumental in founding the Environmental Club, he also was one of a few select students nationwide chosen to do research at Denali National Park. President of the Model United Nations, Hansen was awarded the prestigious “Best Delegate Award for Washington State.”

LW Technical college graduation is June 27

Lake Washington Technical College (LWTC) is hosting its 2008 commencement ceremony on Friday, June 27, at 5 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue.

This year LWTC will award more than 600 degrees and certificates. Dr. Sharon McGavick, LWTC president, will give the commencement address.

This year’s student speaker is Susan Dailey, a resident of Bellevue who will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Social & Human Services and head to the University of Washington. She was named to the 2008 All Washington Academic Team and is a LWTC Associated Student Government officer.

The youngest graduates are Woodinville residents Tucker Austin and Melanie Harmon, both age 18. Austin will graduate with an Electronics Technician AAS degree and Harmon will graduate with a Dental Assistant AAS degree. The oldest graduate is Kirkland resident Michael Brady, age 65, who earned a Fitness Specialist AAS degree.

Mabbutt retiring after 34 years in District

After a 34-year career in the Lake Washington School District, first grade teacher Donna Mabbutt is retiring. Mabbutt taught at three elementary schools in the district: Rush, A.G. Bell and Peter Kirk.

“I can say truly that without this teacher, I would not be where I am today,” said Sandy Dennehy, principal of Kirk Elementary, at Mabbutt’s retirement ceremony. “She taught me how to read. She taught me to add and subtract. She taught me to sit quietly in my seat. She taught me to raise my hand. You see, Donna Mabbutt was my first grade teacher.”