Today was the Celebration of Success, where scholarships and awards are presented to the graduating class. All in all, over $126,000 in 44 awards was distributed by 25 organizations to 29 graduates. One of the highlights was the Henigson’s Scholarship award, $8,000 annually for full four years. This year, Phyllis and her sons were so impressed by the applicants that they awarded the scholarship to two students: Emma Thoron and Henry Moe–so fantastic!
Watching these awards and the graduation always makes me feel like we truly live in an amazing community. These students are supported in a remarkable way; emotionally, academically, and economically. The list of colleges that they are attending is impressive, including Brandeis, Bowdoin College, Cal Poly, and the honors programs at UW and Western. There is something about the intimate size of the school that helps students grow confident, capable and creative. It is so fun to watch them take this next step.
OICF is planning to work with the school district and the Education Foundation to conduct a survey of past graduates to learn what happened next. How many persisted and graduated from college, and how many found another path. How many have student debt and how much? How well were they prepared for life after Orcas. I suspect we will hear some great stories and I look forward to passing them along to you.
If you are interested in attending the graduation ceremony, it is June 15 at 2 pm in the High School Gym. Make a point to bring your hankie!
Hope to see you there, Hilary