The renewed Orcas Island Paper Airplane Contest occurred this past Wednesday, an event which used to be a staple of Spring but which suffered after Covid-related shutdowns.

Participants were judged based upon aesthetics, distance, and accuracy, with prizes awarded from generous local businesses. A Kayak tour, colorful bath bombs, gourmet coffee and model planes were awarded winning participants in each category. Nobody left empty-handed.

Key Club president Cienna Richardson and Key Club volunteers helped set up the event, and representatives from the AirHawks and MercyFlights programs were on hand to judge competitions as well as inform the crowd of the importance of the MercyFlights program.

Indeed, Cienna’s younger brother, Hayes, came about himself thanks to the MercyFlight program.

It was particularly heartening to see the smiles of younger students, filled with glee at something as simple as their pieces of folded paper.

The Paper Airplane Contest is but one of Key Club’s fundraising efforts yearly; we’re grateful to live in such a caring Orcas Island community.

Maurice Austin

OIHS teacher

Orcas Island