Keri Lago
Orcas Island Booster Club, Volunteer
Can you share a little bit about yourself?
I was born and raised in Washington. I enjoy photography and cooking—neither of which I am very good at, but practice makes progress as they say. My mom and stepdad moved to Orcas in ‘94. I would visit periodically, but I didn’t move here until 2004. It was meant to be temporary, but the island has a way of drawing you in. My family has been here ever since.
Sports has always been a part of life for me, whether playing soccer in high school, coaching, or watching my kids play in the gym or on the field. I have two boys in high school and my daughter graduated from OIHS last year. It was because of them (and a very persuasive friend) that I eventually joined the Booster Club.
Tell us a little bit about the organization you volunteer at.
The Boosters provide scholarships to help cover athletic fees, organize clinics for physicals, purchase equipment for teams to enhance their skills, spearhead spirit events throughout the year, and instill a sense of pride in our school system. Our mission is simple: to inspire athletes, students, coaches, parents, and the Orcas community to create a positive and spirited school environment.
I love that it’s not an all or nothing kind of a gig. You can help with all aspects or just one event. Every little bit makes a difference. It’s a fun, festive atmosphere, and you get to be there to cheer the students on. What’s not to like?
I recently found out that 57% of OIHS students played at least one sport last year. I am a firm advocate of getting involved in sports at a young age. Aside from the physical benefits, sports teach life-long skills including healthy decision making and building strong relationships—something you can lean on your whole life.
What does volunteering do for you?
There is no deep reason why I volunteer. I suppose it helps to stay connected and hopefully make a positive impact on someone other than myself. But really, I just wanted to support my kids’ interests, and this was one way they would let me participate.
GO VIKINGS!!!
Visit the Orcas Island Booster Club to learn more. Reach out to them if you would like to get involved.
If you would like to learn about other volunteer opportunities on Orcas, please email Ed. He would love to get together for tea/coffee to chat about your interests.