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Posts Tagged ‘farewell’

“Once a Viper, always a Viper!”

Posted in Softball, tagged , , , , on July 27, 2026| Leave a Comment »

Grant Van Dyke and his diamond dandy daughters, Sydney (left) and Cami. (Photo courtesy Aaron Lucero)

The ol’ ball coach is taking a break.

After helping guide the Island Vipers travel softball team to a stellar finish Sunday at the summer finale in Kent, Grant Van Dyke is stepping away from his coaching gig.

Van Dyke, who worked with Aaron Lucero to craft a top-tier program, offered up the following farewell:

 

Three and a half years ago, we started the Island Vipers with a simple goal — to give young athletes a place to grow, compete, and make lasting memories.

As I coach my final game, I’m filled with gratitude.

Watching these girls grow into confident young women has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

A special thank you to my daughters, Sydney and Cameron, for sharing this journey with me.

The wins were meaningful, but it’s the friendships, laughter, road trips, and shared moments I will treasure most.

To the families who stood with us every step of the way – thank you.

Your trust, support, and commitment made this experience what it was.

This chapter is one I will always hold close.

While I’m stepping away from coaching, my heart is full knowing the Island Vipers will continue on, giving future players the same chance to grow, dream, and create their own memories.

I’m also excited to watch where all these Vipers go in life.

A special thank you to Mason and Jodi Strevel, Aaron Lucero, Mark Rummel, Madison McMillan, Scott Maynes, Jim Wheat, Lei Linaberry, and Colleen Van Dyke, along with all the parents, grandparents, and aunties who supported us along the way.

Thank you to every player, family, and coach who made this journey unforgettable.

Once a Viper, always a Viper!

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King bids aloha

Posted in Administration, Everything changes, tagged , , , , on June 27, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Steve King

He’s off to the lands of the pineapple and never-ending sunset.

Coupeville School District Superintendent Steve King ends his six-year tenure in Central Whidbey this week, with a teaching job in Hawaii next on the docket.

As he prepares to depart, he issued the following farewell:

 

Hello Coupeville Community!

I hope this message finds you well.

Tonight’s School District board meeting will be my final meeting and the end of my tenure as your Superintendent.

As I leave Coupeville to relocate closer to family and return to the classroom, I want to express my gratitude for your support and kindness over the past six years.

Becoming your Superintendent in 2018 was an absolute honor and a career dream come true. 

While many unforeseen challenges during my time here took their toll, there is no place I would have rather been than in this incredible Coupeville community.

I have had the honor and privilege of serving in the most supportive community I have ever been a part of.

It is a career highlight to have been able to serve those who serve us over the past decade in both Oak Harbor and Coupeville.

It was an incredible honor being a part of our hardworking and dedicated staff, who are committed to serving Coupeville students.

Most importantly, I have loved being a part of the lives of our students!

I have been able to serve thousands of students in my career in multiple school districts, and the Coupeville students are second to no one.

Thank you all for your continued support and ongoing efforts to support our schools and students. 

I have learned so much from so many wonderful people in Coupeville, and many of you have inspired me more than you’ll ever know.

I wish everyone in Coupeville, especially the students, the very best, and I am truly grateful for the time I was able to serve in this beautiful and amazing place.

With respect and gratitude!

Steve King

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Thank you, Venessa

Posted in school board, tagged , , , , on November 22, 2021| Leave a Comment »

Venessa Matros

She made a real difference.

In every meeting, every action, every carefully thought-out word.

Venessa Matros, a Coupeville High School alumni who came back around to serve eight years on the school board, cares deeply about her community.

That has always shone through brightly, never more so than Monday, as she chaired her final meeting.

The election is certified Tuesday, and Nancy Conard and Morgan White will join the board, replacing Matros and Kathleen Anderson, who both opted not to run for re-election.

That meant Monday’s virtual meeting was the final one for the former Wolf student turned school leader, and she went out in style.

Matros made an eloquent defense for students being allowed freedom to leave campus at lunchtime.

She also battled through emotion as she described what her town, her school district, and her service to both, has meant for her.

It has always been personal for Matros, as she has worked tirelessly for her own daughters, and for the children of other Coupeville parents.

Our school district is better off for her efforts, for her dedication and unflagging spirit, and her commitment.

That came through in farewell comments from fellow board members Sherry Phay, Christine Sears, and Glenda Merwine, as well as Superintendent Steve King.

While Covid has sent board meetings online, preventing Matros from getting the full, public farewell she deserves, I hope she exits knowing how much her community appreciates her.

Thank you, Venessa, for all you gave, from all of us.

You made a difference. You made us proud.

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