Published November 17 2023
With a keynote speech from Bellevue Schools Superintendent Kelly Aramaki, the 2023 class of Bellevue Essentials will graduate Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7-9 p.m., at City Hall. All are welcome to the ceremony and reception.
Bellevue Essentials is a civic engagement program now in its 11th year. Aramaki, who grew up in Bellevue, with roots here four generations back, will discuss “A Future of Innovation in Education, Built on a Legacy of Excellence." Appointed superintendent in July, Aramaki graduated from Newport High School and started his career in education as a fourth and fifth-grade teacher at Newport Heights Elementary School.
He went on to serve in many capacities in the education arena in other districts, returning to Bellevue in 2018 to take the role of executive director of schools. In 2022, Aramaki was promoted to assistant superintendent, overseeing strategic planning, student services and innovation.
Thirty-four people are graduating from Bellevue Essentials this year. This year’s Bellevue Essentials class speaker is Nandini Khandelwal, a Newport High School student who brought a unique perspective to the program.
Mayor Lynne Robinson and interim City Manager Diane Carlson will present graduation certificates. The ceremony will be followed by an appetizer and dessert reception.
The event provides an opportunity for all who are interested to learn more about Bellevue Essentials, an 11-week introduction to the city's inner workings, with emphasis on the ways residents can engage with the city. The next class will commence in September 2024, with applications available next May.
To RSVP for the graduation or for information on participation in Bellevue Essentials, please contact Julie Ellenhorn at 425-452-5372 or jellenhorn@bellevuewa.gov.