After a busy week of field trips, field days, early morning breakfasts and farewell dances, the students at Oak Harbor and Coupeville schools are being released to three months of bliss. The 2010-2011 school year was a nail-biter for administrators as budget information slowly seeped out of the Legislature, most bringing negative news. But despite their budget woes, administrators also witnessed their students and teachers take home trophies, titles and all together thrive.

This year, Oak Harbor High School became home to DECA National Champions, a restaurant management state title, a distinguished NJROTC, Whidbey Island art show awards, superior and excellent-rated bands and choirs, robotics club achievements and stellar athletes.

Oak Harbor Middle School’s symphonic band received second place in a national competition and its choir was invited to perform in New York City.

North Whidbey Middle School launched a new reading program that helped the entire student body grow closer.

Olympic View Elementary School received a $25,000 Apple Award from the state and became a School of Distinction and a winner of the Washington Achievement Award.

Hillcrest Elementary School scored a set of iPod Touches to enhance fifth-grade learning, Crescent Harbor Elementary saw an anti-bullying campaign started by CADA and Broad View Elementary scored some new playground equipment.

Olympic View fifth-grader Erica Oliber said she’s enjoyed her time in the district and is ready to take on the academic challenges that North Whidbey Middle School will bring her come September.

“I’m most excited to try and get good grades,” Erica said while playing in a small pool during a field day activity. “But I’m kind of scared I might get bored being the youngest.”

Erica recently moved to Whidbey Island from Japan where her family was stationed with the Navy. She said she plans to spend her time off hitting the beach, the pool and hanging out with her friends.

The Coupeville School District saw many accomplishments as well. Each of Coupeville’s schools made Adequate Yearly Progress in 2010 and are on track with state testing scores. In February, Coupeville High School was given a Washington Achievenment Award for overall excellence by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education. The school’s overall two-year test score average landed them in the top 5 percent of schools. Additionally, CHS boasted a graduation rate of more than 90 percent.

Coupeville’s Science Olympiad team reached great heights in competition this year and drama students wowed on stage with big performances like “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Students were excited by science when a new forensics class opened up this year, and students dominated in History Day competitions.

Coupeville cross country runner Tyler King captured the state 1A blue ribbon in the fall.

It’s clear to those who have visited Coupeville schools that the students there are actively engaged in their learning and are devoted to their classes.

“Coupeville Elementary School has given me countless memories,” fifth-grader Emma Blanchette said during a speech at her moving on ceremony Thursday.

Fellow CES fifth-grader Nicholas Etzell said he loved his time in K-5, but can’t wait to move down Main Street.

“I’m looking forward to playing saxophone and rocking  out with Mr. Jenkins,” Nicholas said. “I’m looking forward to so many things from middle school.”

The last official day of classes for Coupeville students was Friday. Oak Harbor kids will be released on Monday.