Mercer Island is not just the home of the fifth richest man on earth. And 98040 isn't just the wealthiest zip code in our state. It is now known as a childhood home of Barack Obama's mother, Stanley Dunham.

Yes, she was born in Kansas. Yes, Obama was in the Midwest this morning, touting his deep Kansas roots.

But his mom spent most of her adolescence in Mercer Island, and was a standout member of Mercer Island High School's Class of 1960. Tim Jones of The Chicago Tribune wrote a great investigative piece on this intriguing iconoclast. Video interviews of her Mercer Island friends and teachers can be found below the fold.