The Scoop: Graduation Celebrations and Award Winners

Oak Harbor High School Seniors graduate Saturday, June 13, at 1 p.m.! Even if you don't have a ticket to the event, you can watch the commencement with our live stream.

Watch the ceremony from last weekend below!

Oak Harbor Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of KC Knudson as the district’s next Chief Academic Officer to lead the Teaching & Learning Department. As a highly respected educational leader with more than 26 years of experience, Knudson brings a deep commitment to instructional excellence, inclusive practices, and systems-level improvement that will directly support student success across the #OneOakHarbor community.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to join the Oak Harbor School District team,” said Knudson. “Oak Harbor is a special community with a deep dedication to its schools and students. I am especially drawn to the district's clear strategic priorities and the value it places on the voices of students, families, staff, and the community."

Carlene Ogren, Elementary LAP teacher at Broad View Elementary School, was named the 2027 Northwest Educational Service District 189 Regional Teacher of the Year!

Carlene’s impact goes far beyond the classroom, whether she’s building strong relationships with students and families, supporting military-connected students, or ensuring every child has what they need to succeed, she leads with heart, purpose, and unwavering dedication.

“Carlene Ogren exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator in Washington State,” Jenny Hunt, the principal at Broad View Elementary School in Oak Harbor, wrote in her letter of support. “Her expertise, heart, and tireless commitment to students, colleagues, and families make her an exceptionally deserving candidate for this honor. I give her my strongest and most wholehearted recommendation.”

We’re proud to announce our final Star of the Year honoree! Congratulations to Dr. Emily Couch, our Leader of the Year!

Dr. Couch exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. In a year that called for extraordinary leadership, she stepped in as Interim Director of Teaching and Learning, providing steady guidance, clear direction, and continued progress during a time of transition.

Beyond her impact in our district, Dr. Couch also serves as President of the Oak Harbor Education Foundation Board, where she is helping to reimagine and strengthen support for our schools and students.

Thank you, Dr. Couch, for your unwavering commitment to our community and for leading with heart!

Oak Harbor High School students competed in 9 different competitions at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Georgia. The video game design team, Sarah Aldrich and Tyler Sika, placed 3rd!

In addition, Team Smarts and Sparks attended the Make48 nationwide invention-competition at the conference and walked away with a first place cash prize, trophy, and a golden ticket to the Season 10 National Competition in November! Congratulations to Lux, Joel, Malaina, Ivan, and Mr. Whiteman!

On Friday, June 5, the graduating Class of 2026 took part in the annual Friday Night Lights drive-by parade, cruising down Pioneer Way in downtown Oak Harbor to celebrate their final year of high school. Seniors decorated their cars with class pride, school colors, and personalized messages as they made their way through town.

Families, friends, faculty members, and community supporters lined the streets to cheer on the graduating class. The event gave seniors a chance to celebrate together and create one more lasting memory before graduation, marking an exciting milestone as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

Oak Harbor Public Schools is excited to host the 13th annual Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)! SFSP is a federally funded, state-administered program designed to serve free meals to all children 18 years and under during the summer season.

No sign-up or registration is required. Children must be present or an adult must present a weekly Parent/Guardian Attestation Form during pick-up.

Oak Harbor Boys & Girls Club, 30 SE Ely St.

Each meal bag includes 7 breakfast meals and 7 lunch meals per child, plus a full gallon of milk. 

At Senior Signing Day, Class of 2026 Seniors had the chance to inform their peers, teachers, and families about their plans for the future, and sign a certificate of intent for their future plans.

The annual Paper Toss tradition at OHHS celebrates the end of the high school journey for Seniors.

As part of thier informational writing unit, Broad View Elementary first graders researched an animal of their choice, writing a report and creating a habitat for that animal. Their projects were then displayed in the library for other students, staff, and families.  

Oak Harbor High School AP Spanish students recently visited Hillcrest Elementary to teach short Spanish lessons to Kindergarten and 2nd Grade classrooms. 

Ms. Hyneck and Ms. Ludwig’s 4th graders from Oak Harbor Elementary had an amazing time exploring Padilla Bay! Students learned about local ecosystems, marine life, and the importance of protecting our natural environment.

HomeConnection and Hand-in-Hand Early Learning Center principal Shane Evans has been a "Principal in Peril" this week. Students witnessed Mr. Evans color his hair, dress as an inflatable unicorn, shave his beard, karaoke, and more! What a sport!