Jack Filkins:
Senior Jack Filkins is a two-sport athlete who has lettered six times so far in his high school career. As captain of this year’s football team, Jack has earned all-league honors in football both sophomore and junior years. When football season is over, Jack moves onto his other chosen sport of track and field where he has placed in districts twice. And it’s not just in sports where Jack excels. He has above a 3.9 cumulative GPA and serves as treasurer for Peninsula High School’s Associated Student Body and the National Honor Society.
Jack is looking forward to continuing his education at a four-year university and the opportunity to continue to play football at the collegiate level. “I currently hold an offer to play college football from the University of San Diego,” said Jack, whose career interests include law, communications and film.
He considers his football team a family and said he enjoys the relationships and bonds he has made that will last far beyond his high school years.
“Every game, every practice and every day I look forward to playing the game I love with my brothers,” shared Jack.
But the game of football has given Jack more than the knowledge of a game and lifelong friendships, it has taught him important life lessons as well.
“If one component or individual of a team fails, the whole team will fail. That is why it’s important to work together to strive for success. This notion is not only true in football, but in the world of work as well,” said Jack.
Lindsey Skaanes:
For Gig Harbor High School junior Lindsey Skaanes, sports have been an important part of her life.
“I have played team sports, including soccer, fastpitch and volleyball, since I was 5 years old and have always enjoyed being a part of a team and challenging myself to improve my skills,” said Lindsey who is now focused on the sport of volleyball.
As a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, Lindsey said it is definitely a challenge to play competitive sports while keeping up with her schoolwork.
Lindsey shares that she will begin to explore her post high school options this year and plans to attend a four-year school and would like to play sports at the collegiate level.
She comes from a family that has been in the field of law enforcement, something Lindsey said may have shaped her desire to study psychology and criminal justice.
Regarding sports, Lindsey said she enjoys the relationships she has formed by being part of a team. She also shares that volleyball has helped her grow as a person and to become a better teammate.
“I always look forward to practices and games because the environment on the court is so positive and encouraging,” she said. “From sports I have learned leadership, work ethic, teamwork, and how to cope with success and failure. I have also learned to always put others before yourself. When you’re on a team, you have several people who are depending on you, which is much like life outside of sports.”