From a terrific story in yesterday's Anacortes American online edition, about some of the partners of our BMWOR boat builders in their adopted hometown of Anacortes making a difference where it really counts -- with the local kids....


Students sailing ahead
BY KIMBERLY JACOBSON American staff writer

Carmel Whitham helps third-grader Nathan Rude work out a math problem at Fidalgo Elementary School March 7. Whitham is one of several international volunteers in the schools whose partners are here working on the BMW Oracle America’s Cup team. The hull was taken to Spain late in February.

“Excellent, that was great,” she says as he writes down the correct answer. She praises Rude as he completes the worksheet of math problems, helping him when he gets stuck.

Whitham, a volunteer at Fidalgo Elementary School, is planning to bring flash cards next week to do some practicing.

Whitham, who is from New Zealand, is one of several international volunteers in the school district whose partners are here working on the BMW Oracle America’s Cup boat. The first hull was transported to Spain in late February and work on the second will begin soon.

“Not only are they here building a boat, they’re making a contribution to the community,” said Jayne Branch, volunteer coordinator. “We feel really blessed these women have stepped forward and are willing to help in any way they can.”



Carmel Whitham helps third-grader Nathan
Rude work out a math problem at Fidalgo
Elementary School March 7. Whitham is one
of several international volunteers in the
schools whose partners are here working on
the BMW Oracle America’s Cup team. The hull
was taken to Spain late in February.

Read more....