3rd Grade Action Network: Save Our Southern Residents
A small voice can change the world
On Saturday, June 21st 2025, the students of the 3rd Grade Action Network hosted a double screening of their documentary, followed by a screening of Free Willy.
Meet the Action Network:
The 3rd Grade Action Network is a group of 50 students on Vashon Island who learn about social activism and local issues. As part of the curriculum, the students collaborate on a big project to help drive meaningful action while learning important skills that will help them become active stewards of their community, applying what they’ve learned to real-world challenges.
For this year’s Action Network, the students selected the critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales. The Southern Residents are a genitically distinct population of orcas that is on the verge of extinction, with only 73 individuals remaining. The three major threats facing the SRKWs are lack of food, pollution, and vessel noise, while other threats such as climate change or risks of oil spills only further threaten the population.
Throughout the course of their studies, the students welcomed guest speakers from the organizations Killer Whale Tales, Whale Scout, NOAA, Whale Trail, Orca Recovery, Sound Action, and Orca Network. These experts shared insights about the Southern Residents and the complex web of threats they face—from dwindling salmon runs to vessel noise and pollution.
“Thank you to all of those orca experts who came in and taught us about orcas,” said Franklin, one of the students.
“I think it was really fun that we got to learn about orcas from you,” added Latelee, reflecting on the experience.
As part of their work, the students made their very own documentary where they sought to compile all the information they learned and educate viewers about the plight of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales and inspire people to take meaningful action to help save them from extinction. Third grader Evie said, “I thought it was fun to learn all about orcas and to make the documentary, and I am glad we were able to help.”
In addition to creating the documentary, the students also wrote a song about what they learned and how to help. “I think it was a really good experience to make the movie. I also really liked the song. I hope people in the future help orcas,” said Indigo.
The Action Network in ACTION!
To round out their work, the students—alongside their teacher, Mrs. Margie Butcher—teamed up with parents, volunteers, and other community members to host a double screening of their self-made documentary Save Our Southern Residents, followed by Free Willy, the beloved 1993 film about a boy who befriends a captive orca and fights to return him to the wild.
As part of the screening, the students helped book the Vashon Theatre, organize showtimes, design posters, and host the event—which included student presenters before the film and a Q&A afterward. Before the show began, they worked in shifts collecting donations, sharing handmade arts and crafts, and greeting guests with information about orcas and the importance of conservation.
“We worked a long time on this so we hope you all like it!” said Edmund.
“We hope you enjoy our documentary,” said Elizabeth.
“We hope you learned a lot about orcas,” added Cedar.
The student-produced documentary combined all they had learned into a powerful message about why Southern Resident killer whales need our help.
“It was a fun experience making the documentary,” said Hazel.
“I thought it was fun to learn all about orcas and to make the documentary, and I’m glad we were able to help,” added Evie.
For many of the students, the experience was both eye-opening and inspiring.
“I hope people in the future help orcas.”
“It was a really fun experience to make a documentary, and I think we should do something like it again,” added Miles.
The orcas themselves left a deep impression.
“Seeing orcas is a great experience,” said Manny.
“Orcas are such amazing creatures, so we should protect them as much as we can,” offered Rose.
“Orcas are beautiful and magical creatures, and they deserve to be protected,” echoed Luca.
Making a Difference
Ahead of the event, the students were tasked with selecting a local non-profit to be the recipient of their screening fundraiser, and we at Orca Conservancy could not be more honored to be the organization the students selected. When asked why the students chose Orca Conservancy (OC), Mrs. Butcher explained that the students were most interested in organizations actively working on conservation projects, and they specifically liked that OC is aimed at protecting the Southern Residents from extinction.
The screening was a resounding success, drawing a crowd of over 150 attendees and raising an impressive $1,522 for orca conservation.
There’s a beautiful through line between what these students accomplished and the film Free Willy—and that’s kids affecting change. While working with them, we all kept saying, “These kids are going to change the world.” They left us with a renewed sense of hope, and I hope they continue to inspire in everything they do.
“I know that our documentary helped, but it didn’t help fully—we still need other people’s help to help the orcas,” shared Griffin.
Vivian agreed: “It was a really fun experience making the documentary, but we still need YOUR help.”