Ferndale High School senior Sophia Wilson is Kiwanis Student of the Month for May. Sophia was honored for her academic performance, her participation in school and community activities, and her service to our community.

At Ferndale High School, Sophia has been an active member of the Leadership program, the Link Crew, the Robotics Club, and National Honor Society. Sophia also co-founded and presided over two mental health focused clubs, the Ferndale High School Mental Emergency Support System (MESS for short) and The Eagle Support Group. During her junior year, Sophia planned and directed a school-wide assembly focused on mental health.

Sophia is an excellent scholar, as evidenced by the 4.0 GPA she has maintained at FHS, along with special honors related to her exemplary attendance and her achievement in choral music. It is no surprise that she has been named a Top Scholar at Washington State University, or that she has received the title of Distinguished Regents Scholar, or that she has been invited into WSU’s Honors College.

Outside of school, Sophia holds the title of Student Commissioner on the Ferndale City Planning Commission. Through this role, she provides input and insight on decisions that affect Ferndale City planning. She is also a volunteer at the Ferndale Food Bank.

Sophia is proud and honored to be the first person in her family who has had the opportunity to attend college, especially as a Top Scholar, Regents Scholar, and Honors College invitee. She is also proud of her service work, her participation in extracurricular activities, and her growth as a member of the FHS Leadership program.

After graduation, she plans to major in Marketing at Washington State University’s Carson College of Business. She has an eye on a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and then perhaps a Master’s in Business Administration. She also wants to continue to serve her community as an active citizen and volunteer.

Regarding her thoughts on community, Sophia says, “I feel that the most important issues facing Ferndale relate to the expansion and growth of the population within the city limits. As Ferndale continues to increase in size and density, it will require updates and upgrades in its infrastructure and affordable housing.” Sophia goes on to explain, “The Ferndale City Planning Commission is already working to address many of these challenges, but I believe their severity could be lessened through more widespread community involvement.”

Sophia credits her father for being the most influential person in her life. She says, “My father grew up in relative poverty after the divorce of his parents. He entered the military at a young age, serving 22 years and earning the title of Sergeant First Class. He also served in the National Guard.” Sophia’s father is a cancer survivor as well. “The amount of perseverance and strength my father exhibits daily inspires me to work extremely hard,” she says, “to have a strong sense of integrity, responsibility, and ownership of my work, and to be grateful for all that I have.”

Congratulations, Sophia. We are proud of you and your accomplishments.

Our many thanks to Ferndale Kiwanis for its continued support of our students. In addition to annual scholarships, each month Kiwanis recognizes one of our high school students.