Dr. Suniya Luthar, Executive Director of Authentic Connections

Dr. Suniya Luthar, Executive Director of Authentic Connections, will visit Mercer Island on Tuesday, April 16th, and will present an overview of findings from the March 2019 High Achieving Schools Survey (HASS) from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Mercer Island High School (MIHS) Performing Arts Center.

More than 1,200 MIHS students participated in the survey designed to identify risk factors specific to youth growing up in affluent, high-achieving communities. Dr. Luthar, using comparisons to other affluent communities across the country, will share survey results as well as conclusions and recommendations for students, school staff, parents, and the community at large.

“The risks of growing-up in affluence are well-documented,” said YFS Director Cynthia Goodwin, in a YFS monthly update. “Dr. Luthar is an expert in this area and results from her survey of Island youth will inform YFS prevention strategies and support the long-term health of our youth.”

The HASS survey and community presentation is free with funding provided by the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation at the request of YFS Director Cynthia Goodwin. The event would not be possible without the support of the Mercer Island School District and Assistant Superintendent Fred Rundle.

Questions? Contact Cynthia Goodwin, YFS Director at (206) 275-7611 or [email protected].