“I’m so glad I got to grow up in an amazing school.”
When fall arrives, Sofia Peters and her fellow seniors in the Coupeville Class of 2023 will kick off their final run as high schoolers.
The annual countdown towards graduation — with big events like Homecoming, prom, and awards night scattered along the way — stretches out over nine months yet will likely seem like it’s flying by for students and parents.
For Peters, who has attended Coupeville schools since kindergarten, enjoying the time left and thanking those who have helped guide her along the path is huge.
“Something that the general public doesn’t know about me is how much I really love being a student at CHS,” Peters said. “It has given me so many amazing opportunities.
“I’ve had such a great support system and so many people who made an impact on me,” she added.
That has ranged from parents Mike and Paula Peters to CHS teachers and administration.
“My parents have always believed in me and always had my back,” Sofia said.
“And (Dean of Students) Tom Black and (teacher) Kyle Nelson — those are both people who really made school feel like a safe space.
“They always believed in me and helped me realize I didn’t need to always be so serious in school or in class.”
Peters has been a standout in both academics and athletics, earning induction into the National Honor Society and swinging a lively bat while playing second-base for the high-flying Wolf softball team.
Her freshman diamond season was swept away by the pandemic, but she stayed true to her sports calling, helping Coupeville go 12-0 and 16-3 the past two seasons.
Peters showed off a slick glove while playing in the infield and often raked at the plate.
Her best day as a junior was a five-hit performance against Sultan, with two of the base-knocks going for extra-bases.
Peters actually has pulled double duty on the diamond recently, working as a volunteer coach with Central Whidbey Little League softball teams while continuing her own playing career.
She’s following in the footsteps of her parents, both of whom have devoted countless hours to helping CWLL thrive.
“Something that drew me to help coaching was that it gave me more experience with kids, and I could see and learn how to help them,” Peters said.
The Wolf senior hopes to attend college in California, with an eye on earning a degree in elementary education.
“Some positives I’ve gotten while coaching would have to be watching the players grow and develop their softball skills,” Peters said.
“A lot of the players who I’ve helped coach hadn’t ever played before and watching them grow has been a great experience for me.”
As she looks ahead to her senior year, Peters has clear goals in mind.
“I would most like to accomplish keeping my grades up and staying strong all the way through the end,” she said.
“When I leave CHS I hope people will remember how much I’ve grown throughout school. Like how I was when I was a freshman compared to how I am as a senior.”