The Port Townsend School Board recognized three organizations in Jefferson County for allowing high schoolers to engage and participate in activities and tours through the district’s Redhawk Friday program.

The three groups — Jefferson Healthcare, Port of Port Townsend, and the Jefferson County Public Utility District — were praised by the school district’s board of directors during a recent school board meeting for participating in the program.

Redhawk Friday is an annual event at Port Townsend High that gives seniors the opportunity to learn more about and engage with local groups and organizations. The program occurs on the first Friday of the school year and lets students engage with their peers to build camaraderie and teamwork within their grade level.

Teachers worked together in the spring to plan fun and meaningful activities for the students, and Redhawk Friday also offers seniors a chance to think about life beyond high school and sample some of the unique and high-demand employment opportunities within the community.

At the Port of Port Townsend, seniors started at the administration office and participated in tours at ACI Boats, Haven Boatworks, and Admiral Ship Supply where they got a glimpse of the many marine trades that support the local, robust marine industry. The visit was during Wooden Boat Festival weekend, letting the students see port activities at their busiest. The senior team was led by teachers Ben Dow, Reed Aubin, Michele Soderstrom, and Amos Freeman.

Senior students visiting Jefferson Healthcare went behind the scenes to tour the inner workings of the hospital and learn about the many facets of the healthcare industry. Students learned about the different employment opportunities at the hospital, including medical and non-medical positions. 

At the PUD, students gained a deeper understanding of how the utility functions and provides service throughout the county.