2024 Students of Distinction
Sophia Fraser, a champion on and off the court
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.
Sophia Fraser
School: Gig Harbor High School
Category: Community Service Achievement
At Gig Harbor High School, Sophia Fraser embodies the essence of dedication, excellence and community spirit. With an impressive track record in athletics, service, and leadership, Sophia’s unwavering commitment to her goals sets her apart as a true role model for her peers.
Sophia Fraser
Excellence in athletics and service
Gig Harbor High School’s Sophia Fraser knows that, to succeed, she has to commit herself fully to everything she’s involved in. As an athlete, she has played tennis for all four years of high school and currently stands undefeated in second singles.
As a volunteer, she’s organized and participated in projects from car wash fundraisers to the Turkey Trot. All this activity might seem like a lot, but Sophia manages to do all this and more by staying focused on her goals and remembering that today’s small efforts make a big difference in setting up tomorrow’s success.
At the same time, she knows that no one can do everything, and it’s important to know when to ask for help. “I keep the end goals in mind, but I also give myself grace,” she says. As she prepares to head off to Gonzaga University, this future nurse and current Interact Club officer credits her years of high school community service with helping her develop this goal-oriented attitude. She especially likes volunteering for TideFest.
Looking ahead with optimism
Though a few years from graduating college, Sophia has already started contemplating her future. With aspirations to pursue a Master’s degree following nursing school, Sophia remains committed to her passion for athletics, recognizing the integral role it has played in shaping her success thus far.
While Sophia sees a lot of conflict and division in her world, she has a lot of hope for the role that young people can play. She wants to see her peers become more involved and encourages them to get involved in the world, even with simple things like registering to vote. Having seen the good one person can do in her community, she hopes to use her experience to help others do the same.
Sophia Fraser
Category: Community Service Achievement
Parents: Molly and Peter Fraser
Achievements/Activities: Interact club Vice President; Camp Invention; Leadership Intern Group Leader; Communities in Schools Reading Tutor Volunteer; Gig Harbor United Methodist Church (GHUMC) Vacation Bible School Group Leader; GHUMC Volunteer Nursery Attendant; Gig Harbor Key Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition Fundraiser Picnic; Tacoma Rescue Mission Volunteer; GHHS Volleyball Camp Small Group leader; Varsity Tennis; JV Volleyball; Varsity in Community Service
Favorite Teacher: “My favorite teacher is Mr. Bjorkman who I’ve had the past two years. He is always willing to give extra individual assistance if you are struggling with a certain topic. Also, he makes his classes fun by creating math competitions for the class to compete in. He is an understanding person and I always enjoy being in his class.”
Best thing about high school: “The best thing about Gig Harbor High School is the teachers. At GHHS there are a lot of teachers who are passionate about helping students learn. They want their students to succeed, and you know they care about you, in and out of the classroom, and are willing to help.”