Burke Griffin
Peninsula High School
Junior Burke Griffin knows what it takes to succeed. With a GPA of 3.96, Burke is also a member of Peninsula’s football and track teams. This is his second year starting as quarterback for PHS, and last year he helped lead his team to the state quarter finals. “I am driven to win state finals this year,” said Burke of his football aspirations. His athletic awards are numerous including a 2017 Northwest 9 finalist, 2018 Russell Wilson quarterback camp MVP, 2016 South Sound Conference All-League Honors and 2017 Linfield Camp quarterback MVP.
Football is something Burke enjoys not only for the competitive factor, but also because it provides an opportunity to be with his friends.
“I love the Friday Night Lights; the buzz and atmosphere before the game,” said Burke. “Most importantly though, the feeling of going out and playing on the field with some of my best friends with whom I’ve worked so hard and laughed so much.”
Burke shares that coaching football is something at the top of his list of career goals. “I love the atmosphere and strategy of the game as well as the hard work it takes to succeed. Besides coaching, I’m also interested in being a business major and working to learn more about the economy.”
Burke will cherish his time playing for Peninsula High School and is focusing on living in the moment. “I love playing football, and I know that it’s not going to last forever. Regardless of whether I’m fortunate enough to play beyond high school, I know some of my best memories will be made at Roy Anderson Field. I want to make sure that I truly enjoy each of those moments.”
Paige Lawson
Gig Harbor High School
Paige Lawson has played team sports since she was 5 years old, competing in everything from soccer to basketball, volleyball, tennis and equestrian. “I was also a competitive dancer until ninth grade,” said Paige. Her athletic accomplishments have been many including being the setter for GHHS varsity volleyball team where her team finished fifth at state last season, and she has also served as the captain of the tennis team. “I’ve lettered seven times for volleyball and tennis,” said Paige, who also plays for a club volleyball team that competed at the 2016 USA Girls’ Junior National Championships in Indianapolis.
“This past summer I particularly focused on beach volleyball, competing and qualifying for Nationals at Hermosa Beach, California,” said Paige. In addition to sports, she enjoys singing and has won awards for her talent there as well.
Paige is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars. She maintains a 3.9 cumulative GPA with AP and honors classes and is a Running Start Student focusing on STEM.
Looking ahead, Paige plans to attend a four-year university and said she will be active with beach volleyball while pursuing a degree in medicine. It is clear that whatever path life takes her, she will be successful.
“Sports have taught me that success is earned through hard work and sacrifice. Sports have also taught me mental toughness and have shown me how to execute my best performance and decision making while under high pressure,” said Paige. “These vital lessons continue to be carried throughout my life.”