I recently attended the Skagit Valley College Honors Reception at the Elks Club. As I watched a number of young people walk across the stage to receive awards, I was surprised by the number of President’s Medal recipients. Four young women and two young men received the medals, which are based on scholastic excellence. As I sat there, I realized a striking coincidence, two of the recipients were alumni of the same 4-H club. What are the chances that the Colonial Critters 4-H Club would be able to claim two of the six medalists as members?

As I watched these young scholars accept their award while the college president tipped his hat to them, it occurred to me that I should also tip my hat to two people who have been instrumental in the development of so many of our precious Whidbey Island youth. Gary and Louis Fisher, founders and leaders of the Colonial Critters 4-H Club, have invested blood, sweat and many anxious moments, if not tears, in my son, and so many other developing citizens.

I came away from the ceremony with a tear in my eye and a deep appreciation in my heart for the legacy the Fishers have given us through the nurturing and development of our sons and daughters. Yes, I am the proud mother of one of the medalists, as you may have guessed, and I will be eternally grateful for the leadership and support Gary and Lois Fisher have imparted to their Colonial Critters kids.

Barbara Buchanan

Oak Harbor