Orcas Island High School student musicians Lindsey Simpson, Flora Lister and Alanna Lago will participate in the regional Senior Band Contest on March 26, in Bellingham and be home in time to play ball the same day. The three girls, all freshman and athletes, will travel to Bellingham for the competition and will fly back to Orcas afterward so they can play in the first softball league-game of the season against Darrington at 2 p.m.

“It’s happening thanks to the generosity of Airport Manager [and] pilot Tony Simpson. And because of the obsessive competence and foresight of Blythe Simpson, who spotted the time conflict,” said parent Ian Lister, adding that Tony and Blythe are Lindsey’s parents. “This being Orcas Island, the girls are essential both to the high school band, and also the Lady Vikings team.”