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Lakeside School gets $10 million grant

Lakeside School received a $10 million grant in May from the Paul G. Allen Charitable Foundation to be used for the school's laptop computer program.

The grant will help upgrade and expand the wireless network, upgrade servers, provide software licensing, support remote accessibility, provide hands on training and instruction, create an endowment to build and strengthen laptop use throughout the school and provide financial aid for students in need.

Allen, the Mercer Island billionaire who co-founded Microsoft, is a graduate of Lakeside School, a private preparatory academy where he met and befriended Microsoft's other future co-founder, Bill Gates.

Lakeside, which serves students in grades 5-12, is located at 14050 1st Ave. NE in the Haller Lake neighborhood.

New president for NSCC named

Dr. Ronald LaFayette was named the new president of North Seattle Community College in May.

LaFayette's educational background includes a doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Brigham Young University, a master's degree in Audiology and Speech Pathology, and a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Speech Pathology from Western Washington University.

Previously, LaFayette has served as Executive Vice President at the Spokane Community College District Institute for Extended Learning and as interim president for Spokane Community College. Most recently, LaFayette has been serving as the interim Director of Workforce Education for the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

LaFayette, who will begin his new duties on July 1, succeeds interim president Dr. James Ford, who in turn replaced NSCC's last "permanent" president Kathleen Noble.

In taking the helm at NSCC, LaFayette becomes the 10th president in the community college's 31-year history.

North Seattle Community College, which has an enrollment of more than 18,000 students, is located at 9600 College Way N, in the Licton Springs neighborhood.

Wedgwood teacher retires

Longtime educator JoAnne Jugum retired from her position as a third grade teacher at Wedgwood Elementary School on June 22. A retirement reception was held to honor her achievements as a teacher for the past 30 years, 25 of which were spent at Wedgwood School, located at 2720 NE 85th.

Jugum, 54, said she still intends to do some work as a substitute teacher, and will also spend her time volunteering, traveling, bike riding and playing tennis.

"It's been a wonderful community," said Jugum, "I'll miss the kids everyday."