In two-plus weeks, school bells will ring in Issaquah and Sammamish, bringing an end to summer and the start of another journey for kindergartners to soon-to-be graduating seniors.

As part of that, The Reporter today begins special coverage of schools that will continue over the next few weeks, touching on what’s new in Issaquah and Lake Washington schools and including a look at fall sports at our local high schools.

What’s impressive about schools in our area is the high quality of instruction and support available to our children. That support continues into the community with people dedicated to helping schools help students succeed.

At the same time, players in our Eastlake Little League have started their final quest to win the Little League World Series. They began play Thursday – after The Reporter’s deadline – in Williamsport, Pa., against the Southwest champions from Universal Little League in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In a page one story, Reporter Josh Suman caught up with Eastlake graduate Blake Hawksworth, who played with the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite the experience of playing at the major league level, Hawksworth notes how special this is for the  Eastlake players.

“They can pitch and they can hit and regardless of if you’re 12 or 30, the game is still the same in that regard.”

So, let’s cheer for the home team and wish them well: Rob Chandler, manager; Matt Fitzgibbons, coach; Jamie Matsuoka, coach; Will Armbruester; Cameron Bowers; Jack Carper; Dalton Chandler; Jacob Dahlstrom; Bryce DeLay; Nathan Fitzgibbons; Jack Matheson; Dylan Matsuoka; Austin Oh; Zack Olson; Jack Rud; Jack Titus.

– Craig Groshart, Issaquah & Sammamish Reporter