Background:

In 1974, Coupeville High School graduated 38 students when the town's population was 900. We recently celebrated at our 50th High School Reunion, where we gathered on the Prairie for a barbeque and to share memories.

We were truly fortunate to have had our high school experience on Whidbey Island and especially at Coupeville High. We benefited from the opportunities to participate in sports, music, clubs, and student activities, and we went on to jobs and careers that contributed to our own communities. Our incredible teachers, counselors, & coaches at CHS influenced us to be independent critical thinkers and to rely on our knowledge, skills, & abilities to fuel success. Two notable CHS teachers who positively impacted our lives were Jim & Linda Hosek.

Jim and Linda taught and coached at CHS. They mentored students both inside and outside of the classroom. Jim taught Current Events and History and was best known for coaching baseball. Linda taught PE, coached track and started the Wolfettes dance team that performed at football & basketball games. Jim & Linda rented a building in Coupeville, naming it "Our House". This was a safe space for the youth of Coupeville to gather on weekends in a drug and alcohol-free environment. Jim & Linda purchased running shoes for athletes who couldn't afford them and temporarily housed students to allow them to finish high school at CHS when family circumstances prevented it. Jim Hosek recently passed away, and Linda still lives on Whidbey Island.

We felt lucky to be able to celebrate our 50th High School Reunion in 2024, and the Class of '74 wanted to give back to the high school as a legacy gift in honor of Jim and Linda Hosek. The Class of ’74 started collecting donations from classmates and the community. At our 50th Reunion, we decided that a portion of funds raised was to be directed to Coupeville Schools Foundation’s "Promise Fund". This fund provides items that students need: reading glasses, books, school lunches, clothing, and school supplies. The remainder of funds raised was earmarked for a scholarship awarded by the Coupeville Schools Foundation to a student furthering their education at a technical school, community college, or university. This scholarship is the Jim & Linda Hosek Community Leadership Scholarship, to recognize and thank Jim and Linda for all they did for the youth of this community. The first scholarship was awarded in 2025 to a graduating senior.

Several members of the Class of 1974 and the community asked that the fundraising efforts remain active so that they could continue contributing.

Call To Action:

Members of the Class of 1974 are working with the Coupeville Schools Foundation (non-profit organization) to raise money to honor the legacy of Jim & Linda Hosek. Funds raised in the current cycle (2026) will be directed to a scholarship for a graduating senior who intends to pursue additional education in a trade.

Please give if you can in honor of Jim & Linda Hosek! Thank You!

Class of 1974 Fundraiser