This week we celebrated our superstar retirees with stories, laughter, and a few happy tears. From props to poems to student quotes, peers and administrators paid tribute to those who have shaped the lives of countless students and left a lasting legacy in our schools and our district.

2025 Retirees Include: Teddie Grace, Denise Waller, Glenda Armstrong, Mary Ann Duhrkopf, Jimi Schlegel, Cathy Bos, Kathy Sharkey, Nicole Bouvion, Mike Briddell, Susan Briddell, Therese Forster, Annette Eustice, Jenny Butler, John Delprete, Catherine Ian-Frese, Linnell Gribble, Alice Mikos, Aaron Atwood, Colleen Lynch, Susan Nesmith, Cheryl Harasti, and Joann Wichers.

Thank you presenters, planning team, Wildcat Catering, and OHHS custodial staff for creating a night to remember.

Due to a snow day used earlier this year, the last day of school will be a half day on Wednesday, June 18.

Oak Harbor High School Jazz Band recently played for a crowd at Regency on Whidbey. Our students are fortunate to have an opportunity to perform and spend time with seniors in our community throughout the year.

Oak Harbor High School students recently participated in the 2025 Skilled Trades Fair. The purpose of this career fair is to allow students to learn more about different career paths in the trades, including first responders, pet grooming, and various types of construction.

“I came to the Skilled trades fair looking for an opportunity post graduation, I was able to put in an application to work for the company Jet City right on the spot!” shared Junior Landry Marcus.

Many students find this fair a can’t-miss event to learn about local businesses. Students are given the chance to discover alternative pathways post high school and about potential benefits from working with these companies. 

The fair is organized by OHHS students, mainly those who are involved with SkillsUSA. Tables were set up for each business to provide students with further information about their specific field of work. Most of the tables have different hands-on activities to let the students get a feel of the career, such as dogs from Posh Puppies, and a tank brought by the military. 

“This was my first time at the Skilled Trades fair, I think it's amazing how this is put together and I'm glad I got to participate in something like this. I'm glad to know when the time comes I will have plenty of opportunities to find a career for myself post graduation!” said Freshmen Eric Fang.

Oak Harbor High School is hosting several athletics camps for youth!

🏐 Volleyball Kids Camp

💥 Speed, Agility and Explosiveness Camp

🏀 Boys & Girls Basketball Camps

🤼‍♀️ Wrestling Camp

This past week, schools were bursting with color and excitement as several schools took part in the beloved annual Color Run tradition. Students raced across fields while vibrant clouds of colored powder filled the air—creating lasting memories and plenty of smiles along the way!

Hillcrest Elementary's amazing 4th-grade teachers were brave enough to become human canvases to elementary Ink Masters. Students got to place 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝟱 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 they achieved in i-Ready Math and Reading!

From colorful songs to joyful dances, the 3- and 4-year-old learners at Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center performed for families near and far. The events were streamed on Facebook for families.

"Watching my nephew Wallace all the way from Jacksonville, FL!" commented Facebook user Sarah Goodman.

"I can hear you in Italy!! I miss you guys!" said former teacher Melanie Mills, watching her class from afar.

At Oak Harbor Elementary 4th graders got hands-on with science by dissecting squid and Ms. Frost's 3rd graders took center stage and performed short plays for their families.

On Friday, May 30, OHHS hosted the annual End-of-Year Showcase. Students and their families were able to view a range of work from this trimester. Work was showcased from several classes including Photography, Graphic Design, Instrument Building, Pottery, AP 2D & 3D Art and Color & Design. This event provided a great way to wrap up the trimester and help recognize students for their hard work.

Reporting by OHHS Student Emelyn Payne and Photography by OHHS Senior Bailey Maxwell

On Wednesday the OHHS Class of 2025 was given the opportunity to publicly declare their post-high school plans in front of students, staff, and families. Over 100 graduating seniors participated, and even more underclassmen were in the stands cheering them on. OHHS seniors committed to a range of schools and places such as Central Washington University, Skagit Valley Community College, Colorado State University, Evergreen Beauty College, San Bernardino Valley College, United States Naval Academy, Western Washington University and many more.

After seniors signed their commitment certificates, they were given the chance to take a group photo, sign their name on a poster with the other participating seniors, and finally participate in the “senior sign off” video that Wildcat Media is creating for the senior send-off festivities at the end of the school year.

“I think that this is a fun event to participate in and it's a valuable experience for the other students to see,” said Hailey Jenkins who committed to Washington State University for Mechanical Engineering.

Kaitlyn Davis, who committed to Western Washington University for Marine Biology, said: “I took part in this event, because I wanted to share my achievements of getting into college. It's really nice to have all my hard work recognized this way.”

“I was very excited to do this and I wanted to show off what I am doing after school,” said Charlie Schultz who committed to the Air Force to work in a dental lab and get his bachelor's degree in pre-dental.

“We are going into the Marines to represent the few and the proud,” said Cresida Cardenas and Hannah Rogers.

“I am joining Universal Technical Institute for their HVAC program and the opportunities that are given through all of their courses. They will help you find a job after graduation – even years later. They have so many program options for people looking for a career in the trades. I would highly recommend looking into UTI,” said Dominick Glenday.

Thank you to Mrs. Schulle’s Leadership class for organizing and executing this special event!