2024 Students of Distinction
Emma Krueger thrives through teamwork and curiosity
Gig Harbor Now is posting profiles featuring the Students of Distinction being honored by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. These students will be celebrated during a banquet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Ocean5, 5268 Point Fosdick Dr.
Emma Krueger
School: Peninsula High School
Category: Athletic Achievement
An athlete, an environmentalist, and a scholar, Emma Krueger says she thrives in a team environment.
Twice elected captain of her soccer team, Emma, a future civil engineering major, also serves as president of Peninsula High School’s Environmental Club and as captain of her school’s Knowledge Bowl team. That might be enough to fill any student’s schedule, but Emma also finds time to work with the Peninsula School District’s Technology Department, fixing Chromebooks and other devices.
Emma Krueger
Dedication beyond the classroom
With so many responsibilities, she works hard to make every minute count, inside and outside the classroom. She credits her ability to focus for part of her success. But more importantly, she recognizes the support system of peers and family with whom she has surrounded herself throughout her high school career. She especially feels thankful for her mom — the hardest-working person she knows, Emma says — and her sister, Sophie.
Looking to the future
After college, Emma hopes to work as an engineer, focusing on the environment. She also hopes to pursue other personal goals, such as traveling, skydiving, and even cliff jumping. Emma considers herself an inherently curious person, and she hopes to make learning a lifelong endeavor. Her reading list currently includes classic authors like Shakespeare alongside more contemporary writers like Ursula LeGuin.
Words of wisdom
Although she knows that today’s students face more pressure than ever to make good grades, get into good schools, and land a high paying job, she advises her peers not to let themselves feel too much pressure. “There’s no obligation to have everything figured out,” she says.
Emma Krueger
Category: Athletic Achievement
Parents: Jill and William Krueger
Achievements/Activities: Soccer: 4 Varsity letters, Captain, Scholar Athlete, Honorable Mention All-League, 1st Team All-League, 2nd Team All-Area, 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Area, SSC Conference Champions, WCIII District Final, Sportsmanship Award; Peninsula High School Track and Field: 4 Varsity letters, Scholar Athlete, State Qualifier; Peninsula High School Knowledge Bowl: 2 Varsity letters, Captain, Scholar Athlete; TAC Fall Athlete of the Year Nominee; Selected for U17 NW ECNL All-Regional League Team in 2022; Currently playing for Washington Premier FC ECNL (Elite Club National League) team
Favorite Teacher: “My favorite teacher would be Mrs. Beloate, who fostered my love for writing and English, but also became a mentor to me. I first met her in her CWU English classes my sophomore year; the next year, I was adamant about taking her next CWU English class. The very first day of class, we sat on the front lawn of PHS, and just had a conversation about our favorite books and about literature. Her ability to guide intellectual and constructive conversations created a class that I loved attending every day. At the end of junior year, I took her Jazz Dance course, which only furthered my admiration for her. Her passion for dance was so infectious. We eventually choreographed our own dance and ended the year with a memorable performance. Mrs. Beloate has helped create some of my favorite high school experiences, always supporting me through all of my activities and ambitions.”
Best thing about high school: “The best thing about Peninsula High School is the people that are devoted to bettering it! I have participated in a wide variety of sports and clubs and have found many people who are kind and passionate about our school and our world. I’ve been able to see firsthand the thriving school community that I am so proud to be a part of.”