San Juan Island Students Take Their Voices to Olympia

On a crisp February morning, a group of students from the San Juan Islands stepped into the halls of the Washington State Capitol with a clear purpose: speak up for the environment they call home.

On February 24, fifteen students from the Friday Harbor High School Eco Club and one student from Orcas Island High School traveled to Olympia to meet directly with lawmakers and the Governor’s staff. Ranging from freshmen to seniors, the students spent the day engaging in one-on-one meetings with legislators, asking questions, sharing their perspectives, and advocating for policies that protect Washington’s environment.

For many of them, it was their first time seeing how the legislative process works from the inside.

“I have always had a great appreciation of nature and a painful awareness of the reality of climate change,” said Flora Vaught, a senior and president of the Friday Harbor High School Eco Club. “I wanted to make a difference. Traveling to Olympia has taught me more about politics, leadership, and organizing than any school class or textbook. Meeting with our legislators has helped me become a more civically educated citizen and given me hope that ordinary people really can help shape policy.”

The day began with a roundtable discussion with staff from the Governor’s Office of Natural Resources, where students discussed environmental priorities facing Washington. From there, the group met with District 40 legislators Senator Liz Lovelett, Representative Debra Lekanoff, and Representative Alex Ramel.

FHHS Eco Club along with the Governor’s Natural Resource Staff.

Students came prepared with research, talking points, and questions on several bills moving through the 2026 legislative session. Their priorities ranged from reducing plastic pollution and strengthening recycling systems to improving energy efficiency in homes.

One bill they championed was Washington’s proposed Bottle Deposit Bill (HB 1607 / SB 5502), which would place a 10-cent deposit on beverage containers to reduce litter and increase recycling rates across the state.

Another priority was HB 1015, legislation aimed at making home energy information more transparent for buyers and renters.

Eco Club sophomore August D’Ambruoso explained why the bill matters to him. “It incentivizes green solutions in homes and can save people thousands of dollars in hidden costs from things like insulation or heat pumps,” he said. “That seems pretty important.”

For Flora, the experience in Olympia reinforced how powerful youth voices can be in shaping the future.

“Being part of Eco Club has allowed me to give back to the school and the San Juan community,” she said. “Through these experiences, I’ve discovered a passion for environmental and community work, and I know I want to stay involved in local policy throughout my life.”

The Eco Club is unique in that students help decide which issues they want to work on and advocate for. With mentorship from Friends of the San Juans and the San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship, students turn their ideas into real-world action—from local projects to statewide advocacy.

According to Eco Club advisor and Friday Harbor High School teacher Sam Garson, watching students step into the role of advocates is inspiring.

“I was amazed to watch our students explain, promote, and defend their priorities for legislation to veteran legislators,” Garson said. “It’s a great reminder that the skills we’re helping students build- communication, critical thinking, and connection to community- are what allow them to be present and engaged in shaping their future.”

This year marked the sixth annual trip to Olympia for Eco Club students, giving them firsthand experience with how bills become law and the opportunity to connect directly with the people making decisions that affect their communities.

Programs like Eco Club help cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders, empowering students to understand policy, speak confidently about issues they care about, and take part in democracy.

Friends of the San Juans is grateful to the many partners who make this work possible, including the San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship, the Madrona Institute Stewardship Fund, the San Juan Island Community Foundation, and the Friday Harbor High School community. Special thanks to Katie Fleming, Julia Yarbough, and Sam Garson for accompanying students to Olympia, and to the Bradley Family Foundation and C.A.S.E. for their support.

If you’d like to help support Eco Club and Friends’ education, science, and policy programs, consider making a gift today.