The Oak Harbor Area Council of the Navy League is well known for its support of the sea services and educating the public about America’s standing as a maritime nation.

To help further that mission and shed light on the country’s dependence on strong sea services, including the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine, Navy League president Tom Tack presented a $500 check to Wally Funk in support of the Skagit Valley College Foundation, specifically, the Anacortes-based Northwest Career and Technical Academy and Marine Technology Center.

Tack said the council does a great job supporting local sailors, marines and their families, but can do more to educate the general public.

“This scholarship is made in the hope that it will help educate a deserving local young person in a maritime trade, and that he or she will mature with a greater understanding as to the importance free and open sea lanes have on our local, national and global economy,” said Tack.

The Navy League is a civilian organization dedicated to the education of local citizens and elected officials, and the support of the men and women of the sea services and their families. You need not have served in the military to be a member of the Navy League.

For information on the Oak Harbor Area Council, those interested may attend a business meeting or go to www.oakharbor.nlus.us/default.asp. The next meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the Officer’s Club on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.