Mercer Island students earn state tennis title and national podcast awards

The board recognized the Mercer Island girls tennis team as four-time defending 3A state champions, noting both team and doubles successes. Players and coaches described long, tightly contested matches and said teamwork and preparation were central to the season's outcome.

Separately, the board congratulated students who won national podcast awards: Michaela Chung (NPR America 250 prize), Delaney Canelis (New York Times winner), Shannon Hillberg (New York Times winner), Audrey and Jane Tintel (NYT runners-up), and Arya Lele (honorable mention). Students discussed story topics ranging from the Artemis 2 mission to local human-interest features and described the hours of reporting and editing required for national-caliber work. Advisers praised the students' craft and the program's role in broadcasting student voice.