In a small town like Quilcene, every single member of the community counts and matters. That was evident on Sunday, Feb. 11 when more than 100 people turned out to show concern and hope for the safe return of missing 16-year-old newcomer Bailey Scott.

In announcing the event, Erin Yeakel wrote, “This is not a candlelight vigil, this is an opportunity for our community to come together to support the search for Bailey and to share loving intentions and to organize the next steps to find Bailey.”

And that’s what they did.

Donations of time and effort came from many in the community, from Paul and Mary Schmidt, who donated their property for the rally, to the Quilcene Village Store, which donated coffee, to the Quilcene School, where principal Sean Moss, enrichment counselor Justin Lake and secretary Tammy Thompson were on hand to share their best wishes for the family of Scott, as were students and staff.

The Jefferson County Sheriff‘s Office was represented by Undersheriff Art Frank and Sgt. Brett Anglin, both on hand to reassure the community that a detective is dedicated to looking into her disappearance.

Scott only lived in the community for two months, but she had made an impression on classmates and teachers as a polite, nice young woman.

“Kind-hearted” is how more than a few people described Scott.

Roxann Anderson, Scott’s aunt, took the microphone to thank those who came out on the cold day to support the safe return of Scott, and she urged anyone who might know anything to step forward and share any tidbit of information with authorities.

With roughly 600 people living in Quilcene, the fact that 100 of them showed up on a chilly, windy day to share their concerns about a newcomer is not just worth noting. It’s worth praising.

Give Quilcene the little-town, big-heart award this Valentine’s Day.

And the good news? Bailey Scott was found on Monday night, safe.

– Allison Arthur