The Peninsula College Board of Directors met in Forks on April 9.

Those that attended were treated to some tasty bakery items produced by the bakery program at Clallam Bay Corrections Center under the direction of Carlos Osorio.

Osorio said a program such as this one can help to foster education and those incarcerated can leave with a skill/trade.

Deborah Scannell, West End Director, Peninsula College Forks Extension updated on the ongoing efforts to bring the indigenous peoples perspective into the curriculum of the college. “It is the college’s goal to have indigenous perspective built into all curriculum,” she said.

Scannell also shared the continuing effort by the college to expand its nursing program in Forks. Thanks to a grant Scannell said the Studium West programs have been expanded and that the college will once again host the high school MVP conference coming up in May.

Scannell offered a spotlight on two Forks Students; Nicole Higby and Sergei Holmquist, they both shared their experience and successes at Peninsula College.

Dr. Robins shared his dismay with the way the state budget seems to be coming together and urged board members to reach out to lawmakers. “We face a set of challenges if this doesn’t get fixed,” Robins said adding that he had testified recently in Olympia on the Senates Operating budget.

Nicole Higby, who just graduated and will walk in June, shared her college experience journey. Nicole said she was a dependable worker and used that mindset to complete her studies, she will graduate with a 3.5 GPA. Photo Christi Baron

Sergei Holmquist also shared his college story with the board members. He worked at the college while he was attending saying, “College has given me the tools, and I am thankful, I feel like I am on my way, my degree gives me options.” Photo Christi Baron