This is graduation weekend here on Orcas. The Orcas Christian School’s event is Friday at 5, and the Orcas Island High School’s event is Saturday at 2 in the HS Gym. Today was the Celebration of Success, when awards and scholarships are distributed. This year, there were 49 scholarships and awards distributed, ranging from $500 to two full rides for four years — all given to the 19 students in the graduating class. It is amazing how generous this community is, and inspiring to see where these students enroll for the next phase of their education.
Following graduation, there will be a parade of Seniors being driven through town — a new tradition that started when the ceremony went virtual during Covid. The parade is scheduled to start around 4, and roll slowly from the school through town. It is a very sweet, and ultimately a small town experience. I hope you have the chance to see it, and cheer the graduates on.
In keeping with the education theme, the Orcas Island Education Foundation (OIEF) hosts a Spring BBQ this Sunday at the Orcas Island Winery. Tickets can be purchased here. There will be limited tickets at the event — cash/check only. OIEF provides the school district with resources needed beyond what state funding provides, expanding programs, and activities for all public school students. Their investment truly makes OISD a top ranked school district.
Finally, the Nonprofit Directory has been updated and reprinted. If you would like a copy, either swing by the office to pick one up or send me an email, and we will get it to you. The directory is also on line here.
Thank goodness the deluge has subsided, and the sun came back out today. This has been quite the wet Spring!
Have a great weekend —
Hilary