The senior class at Orcas High School awarded $2,500 to SeaDoc as part of the 2014 grants program of the Orcas Island Community Foundation. Each year a generous donor gives $5,000 to the graduating class at the high school for them to pass on to one or more non-profits; sort of a primer on philanthropy. The students discuss and debate which non-profits they would like to support.

We were thrilled when seniors Lindsay Lancaster and Brigid Ehrmantrout named SeaDoc to receive a $2,500 donation to recognize not only our work protecting the marine environment but also our efforts to educate people about the cutting-edge science that's being done to protect wildlife. As Joe Gaydos said to the local newspaper reporter who was there, "What an honor to have this donation, and even more importantly, this vote of confidence from tomorrow's leaders!"

Our thanks and congratulations go out to the graduating seniors!

See more in The Islands' Sounder.

Orcas Issues also covered the event:

The Celebration was capped off by the surprise announcement of the Youth Philanthropy Awards. The OISD Senior High School class was given the opportunity to distribute $5000. They researched their options, exploring their priorities and values, and debated the merits of many sectors and programs. This year, the class selected the Friends of Moran and SeaDoc, organizations that help preserve the natural environment of the island and surrounding waters. Each organization received a $2500 grant.