As the school year comes to an end, I would like to honor and congratulate the 6th-grade class at Orcas Island Middle School for an outstanding school year and sense of community spirit.

This year, the class of 2031 took on a year-long community service project as part of their curriculum in Ms. Meg’s Homeroom class. Early last fall, Lindsay Jennings, Executive Director of the Orcas Island Community Foundation, came to visit the class and introduce them to the rich nonprofit world that exists in our community.

After learning more about the nonprofits on the island, the sixth graders decided unanimously at a class meeting to spend time serving our very own Orcas Island Senior Center.

Throughout the school year these 11- and 12-year-olds visited the seniors at their weekly luncheons, made cards, gifts, and even wrote a poem for them. This month they ended the school year with one final visit to their Senior friends and read their own class-written poem to the crowd, bringing tears to many eyes in the room.

The sixth graders were admirable in choosing the Senior Center to serve this year. Through constant, consistent communication and thoughtfulness, these sixth graders are moving on to 7th grade with new connections and new perspectives after their time with their older and wiser friends.

As the sixth-grade advisor, I want to honor the amazing future leaders, neighbors and helpers we have following in our footsteps. We raise them right, Orcas!

With hope,

Meg Green “Ms. Meg”

Orcas Island Middle School