The school year is coming to a close, marking a shift in seasons and exciting transitions ahead.
On behalf of the OICF Board of Trustees, I’d like to congratulate the Orcas Island graduating Class of 2025! It’s been quite remarkable to learn about their inspiring senior class projects and decision-making process for this year’s Youth Philanthropy Awards, both offering a wonderful glimpse of the impact they are sure to make in our community, and the world. Their resilience, determination, and heart inspires us all.
In a moment that feels full of tumultuous change and challenges ahead, the connections we share here—among students, families, teachers, and neighbors—are more important than ever. I recently read an article that shared insights about the benefits of focusing on community when tackling big challenges to avoid a sense of overwhelm and burnout: “when we’re in community, that’s when we get our sense of purpose…finding pockets of joy, pleasure, delight, and humor are ways that we can tap the emotional and chemical spaces in our bodies that we need to keep doing the work…it solves our loneliness epidemic. It solves our civics problem. It solves our democracy problem. It is an inoculation against authoritarianism. The solution to the problem is us.”
Let’s carry that strength forward, supporting one another and choosing celebration and joy and connection wherever we can find it. Here are a few ideas:
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Cheer on the OIHS graduating Class of 2025 during the graduation ceremony at 2pm in the high school gym and parade at 3:45pm this Saturday, June 14.
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Attend upcoming summer galas and fundraising events – a few upcoming options include Orcas Animal Protection Society, Orcas Senior Center, and Funhouse.
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Dance with the hive and thrive in ‘25 at the Solstice Parade, high noon on June 21.
Wishing you a safe, restful, and joyful beginning to summer!
Lindsay
Lindsay Jennings
Executive Director
Orcas Island Community Foundation
lindsay@oicf.us
360.376.6423