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Deb Sherman hangs out with one of her grandkids at a basketball game a few years back. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

She came from the big city and built a vibrant life on the prairie where her husband’s family has lived for generations.

Along the way, Deb Sherman, who ran at the state cross country meet for Everett High School back in her Deb Dire days, has become forever linked to Coupeville.

This is where she and husband Don raised their three sons, this is where her countless grandchildren now frolic, this is where her kindness and joy have taken root.

When the school year ends, she is stepping away after 27 years of guiding Cow Town’s children, retiring from the teaching profession she has honored, and which has given her so much in return.

Not that she’s going away anytime soon, just that she won’t be in a classroom at the elementary school anymore, one of the best to ever do the job.

As she prepares for the transition, Mrs. Sherman offers a fervent farewell:

 

These years have been filled with moments I’ll carry with me forever.

I’ll never forget standing at a Coupeville parade a few years back, watching float after float go by filled with students in various sports and activities.

They were shouting, “Hello, Mrs. Sherman!” from every direction.

The woman standing next to me finally turned and asked, “Who are you?”

That’s when it hit me — in Coupeville, we teachers are rock stars.

At games, at community events, even in the grocery store, we’re recognized and valued in a way that’s rare and precious.

I will deeply miss that connection.

I’ll miss the kids who grew up before my eyes, the families who trusted me with their children, and the colleagues who became friends.

This community has given me far more than I could ever give back, and I’m grateful for every moment — the challenging ones that made me grow and the joyful ones that reminded me why I chose this profession.

Thank you for 27 years of support, laughter, and shared purpose.

While I’m ready for what comes next, leaving this small district family will be bittersweet.

With gratitude and warm regards,

Debra Sherman

Jon Beck

There’s a new guy in charge.

The Coupeville School District has hired Jon Beck as its Supervisor of Maintenance, Operations and Capital Projects, pending school board approval at Thursday’s meeting.

He replaces Scott Losey, a CHS grad who recently retired after several decades working for the district.

In a newsletter sent out Tuesday, Coupeville Schools Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood hailed Beck for “bringing over 35 years of experience in facilities management, fleet maintenance, and capital project oversight, with extensive expertise in apparatus and equipment maintenance, contractor management, and procurement.

“He holds certifications from the National Fire Academy and is a Kohler and Generac Certified Generator Technician, bringing valuable hands-on technical knowledge to the role,” she added.

Beck is “known for his detail-oriented leadership style and commitment to operational efficiency and safety,” Leatherwood said.

“He specializes in preventative maintenance programs, capital project planning, public bidding processes, and facilities repair and operations.

“He has also managed multi-million dollar budgets, overseeing site acquisition and facility construction, and directing maintenance teams.”

Carson Grove eyeballs the bench, looking for some more teammates. (David Somes photo)

Your diamond destiny calls.

That crisp breeze wafting across the prairie signals the approach of “spring” sports, and there’s never been a better time to pick up a mitt and join the Coupeville High School baseball team.

The Wolves kick off practice this coming Monday, Mar. 2, and CHS coaches are hoping for a strong turnout.

After back-to-back trips to the state tourney, Coupeville had to scramble to field a starting nine a season ago and would love to have some depth on the bench this time around.

Which makes it a prime-time opportunity for prospective players.

In related news, Central Whidbey Little League is forming a Juniors team (ages 13-14) and also looking for a couple more players.

So, parents, time to toss the video game system, shoo your son outside and get him to the diamond, post haste.

Teagan Calkins, Mighty Masher. (Photo courtesy Shawn Calkins)

“The Red Dragon” is already in mid-season form.

While high school softball doesn’t kick off for a week or so, Coupeville senior Teagan Calkins was busy beatin’ the heck out of opposing pitchers this weekend with her travel ball club.

Powered by their all-star catcher, Elevate NW 18U swept to a 6-0 record at the Meadowdale Opener, capturing the title in the 16/18 Gold classification.

Calkins and Co. kicked off the two-day tourney Saturday by going 3-0 in pool play, before sweeping through the championship bracket Sunday to claim top honors.

Elevate beat previously undefeated teams in the semifinals and final, proving that there can truly only be one.

Along the way, Calkins was a two-way warrior, popping up from behind the plate to throw out runners trying to advance on her, while also swinging a mighty bat.

The Central Whidbey prairie powerhouse mashed three two-run doubles Saturday, accounting for six RBI, then came back around to collect another three hits and two RBI in bracket play.

Claire Lachnit looks for an opening in the defense. (Julie Wheat photo)

They’re spreading out the offensive love.

Two games into an eight-game basketball season, 18 different Coupeville Middle School girls have recorded points, with a tie for the lead.

Laurel Crowder and Emma Green currently sit on top of the stat sheet, but don’t count out 6th grader Halle Black, who is starting to heat up like dad Allen did back in his high school days.

There’s still plenty of games left to play — a full 75% of the season, as it were — but here’s an early look at where things stand in the point-scoring biz:

 

Laurel Crowder – 12
Emma Green – 12
Halle Black – 8
Finley Helm – 6
Daisy Leedy-Bonifas – 6
Claire Lachnit – 5
Kaleigha Millison – 5
Cami Van Dyke – 5
Sophia Burley – 4
Juniper Dotson – 4
Anna Powers – 4
Annabelle Cundiff – 2
Nikolette Dunham – 2
Aubrey Flowers – 2
Reagan Green – 2
Autumn Hunt – 2
Millie Somes – 2
Bella Sandlin – 1