||| FROM DIDIER GINCIG for ORCAS ODD FELLOWS |||

Did you know that the Odd Fellows give annual scholarships to graduating high school students? What you may not know is that the award is not based on grade point average (G.P.A.) While G.P.A. may be an indicator of a student’s drive to learn and succeed, it may not be a complete story of the student’s inner life and passions.
The Orcas Island Odd Fellows (Mt. Constitution Lodge #88—it was the 88th lodge created in the state of Washington) has been around since 1891. Every state, national, and international lodge does a variety of service projects. Part of what we do is raise funds to celebrate our deep sense of gratitude by expanding our contribution and participation within our community. 

One of our projects  is to award scholarships and acknowledge and support deserving graduates of our island community who strive to do and be their very best. The criteria for the awards exemplify the following: 

  • Students who are highly respected by their peers, staff and community; 
  • Students who are outstanding in their expression of nurturing community well-being. 
  • Humbly aware of her/his integrity 
  • Generous in deed and service to others 
  • Inspired by and dedicated to her/his passions 
  • Respectful of and patient with others 
  • Resilient and resourceful in adversity 

It is our belief that the celebration of these  attributes will help instill similar aspirations in future generations, and hearten those who edify our Youth. We realize that it’s not only the money that will help with the graduates’ path (be it for college, a gap year, a service project, etc.) we offer these awards as a contribution to the rest of the recipients’ lives knowing their community is behind them and believes in them as a continued spirit of growth, character, and integrity. We hope to inspire students to volunteer and be involved in their community while in college or whatever they pursue and wherever they may be.

As the cost of living goes up, our scholarship only does so much to sustain these youngsters. We are interested in giving larger awards and offering them to additional students. 

If you are inspired by this article and what we are doing, and if you have the means to do so, please consider participating by sending a contribution to: The Odd Fellows Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1286, Eastsound, WA 98245. 

Also, we are having an event on Sunday, March 17 at the Odd Fellows Hall from 3:00-5:00 with internationally well-known authors and researchers, Julie and John Gottman, who will be discussing their new book, “Fight Right,” offering tools for communicating wisely during conflict resolution. Donations will be welcome towards the Scholarship Fund.

 

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