Wolf cheerleader Claire Mietus, repping the red and white. (Photos courtesy Mietus)
Mietus (left) and Julie Bucio prep for game day.
Mietus and fellow cheerleader/band mate Mckenzie Meyer hang out before the start of a Wolf basketball game. (John Fisken photo)
“Helping people is my main goal.”
Just a couple of words and it becomes crystal clear Coupeville High School sophomore Claire Mietus has big plans for her life.
The Wolf cheerleader, who has been a key part of the squad through both football and basketball season this year, is going places, and her brain is mapping the route.
“I really love science, such as chemistry and physics,” Mietus said. “My main goal in life is to become a cardiovascular surgeon and I would love to join the service organization Doctors Without Borders.”
When she’s not in class, Mietus, a big fan of Mulan and Star Wars, is almost constantly on the move.
The president of Coupeville’s Leo Club, a high school community service organization affiliated with the Lion’s, she also plays in the CHS jazz band and is a part of the school’s Science Olympiad team.
Somewhere in there she’s found the time to reignite her passion for cheer, as well.
After taking part in middle school cheer when she was living in Japan, she joined the Wolves at the prompting of two CHS cheerleaders who graduated last spring, Ciera St Onge and Camilla Rische.
“I started because I really love being part of a team and it’s something that I enjoy putting my effort into,” Mietus said.
While the school officially labels cheer as an activity, those who take part, putting in all the behind-the-scenes work, know better.
“Cheer is absolutely a sport. What other activity throws girls into the air?,” Mietus asked. “I would tell them that we put just as much time and effort into cheer as any sports team would.
“We practice all summer long and almost everyday,” she added. “It’s tough but totally worth it in the end.”
No matter what she’s doing, whether it’s working the sidelines in support of her classmates or sharpening her skill-set for her future, Mietus can always turn to those close to her for encouragement.
“My dad has definitely been my inspiration,” she said. “Being a member of the Navy he has always pushed me and helped me reach my goals.
“Also my team is a big part of my life,” Mietus added. “We really become sisters and without them we are nothing.”
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