On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the city of Bellevue will graduate a new class of 35 emerging community leaders from its civic engagement program, Bellevue Essentials. Over the past nine weeks, the group has learned about the intricacies of city government and experienced the day-to-day challenges of providing public services. King County Councilmember and former Bellevue Mayor Claudia Balducci will deliver the keynote address.

The graduation ceremony and subsequent dessert reception will take place 7-8:30 p.m. at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE. The event is free, open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to connect with the network of Bellevue Essentials graduates and learn more about the program itself.

County Councilmember Balducci first became active in the community when she joined her neighbors to advocate for the revitalization of a local shopping center in the Lake Hills neighborhood. Later, she was elected to the Bellevue City Council, where she served for 12 years, including two years as deputy mayor and another two years as mayor. In 2015, she was elected to the County Council representing District 6, which covers the greater Eastside.

The event will also feature Quiana Ross, representing the 2017 Bellevue Essentials class and 2015 alum Miran Hothi. Mayor John Stokes and City Manager Brad Miyake will provide brief remarks.

To RSVP for graduation and future participation in Bellevue Essentials events, please contact Julie Ellenhorn at jellenhorn@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-5372.