Spotlighting Four Extraordinary Graduates from Peterson Elementary

Meet Frida, Chloe, Hazel, and Luz– four graduates from the Peterson Elementary Class of 2026! These outstanding students are known for their work ethic, kindness, and creativity. As they graduate from Peterson, Frida will be attending Lane Tech College Prep, Chloe will be attending Disney II High School, Hazel will be attending ChiArts High School, and Luz will be attending Evanston Township High School. Learn more about them below!

Frida: “Something I learned at Peterson that I’ll bring with me to high school is never to let go of your morals, interests, and confidence, no matter what others say or think.”

Frida is a student who carries herself with a rare level of maturity and kindness for her age. What makes her truly exceptional is her heart for others; she is often the first person to welcome new students, making them feel seen and at home. Frida’s hard work at Peterson has paid off with her acceptance into her dream school.

What advice would you give to future 8th graders at Peterson?
Don’t just continuously count down the days until graduation. This is your last year of elementary school and only year of 8th grade, so I’d recommend putting yourself out there and interacting with people you never would’ve thought you’d be friends with. Also make sure to take care of your mental health– it’s just as important as your physical health.

What are you considering as a potential future career?
The career I’m potentially considering is becoming a marine biologist. I have always loved the ocean and have been passionate about caring for it and advocating for marine life, since it covers 70% of the Earth’s surface and is an essential part of it.

Chloe: “Some advice I’d give to future 8th-graders at Peterson is to try their best, enjoy their time, and to remember that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.”

Chloe is a kind and thoughtful student who shines with her amazing illustrations and beautiful painting skills. In class, she is the first to participate, carries a unique perspective, and is described as having a growth mindset. Chloe’s teachers have seen her take on a quiet leadership role in the art classroom, supporting others as needed with their coursework and showing her passion for visual arts.

What are some of your favorite elementary school memories?
My favorite memories at Peterson would have to be all the school field trips. I specifically really enjoyed our most recent one to Lincoln Park Zoo. I made so many fun memories with my friends, and I really enjoyed learning about the animals.

What will you miss the most about Peterson?
I will miss everything! When I first joined the school, I felt very welcomed and was able to be myself around others. I’m thankful to the entire Peterson community and will always appreciate them even after graduating.

Hazel: “My advice to future Peterson 8th-graders would be to enjoy their time with the friends they love and also to make the effort to meet new friends.”

Hazel is a kind, thoughtful, and creative student who never fails to impress her teachers with her can-do attitude and willingness to take on any new challenge. She is best known for her passion for the arts and for being unapologetically herself. Hazel is also an advocate for other students and isn’t afraid to stand up for what is right.

Is there a teacher at Peterson who you’ll always remember?
I’ll always remember the entire 8th-grade team– Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Amaya, and Dr. Rupe. They’ve made 8th grade one of my best years at Peterson. I’ll also always remember Ms. Coulter Yang; she’s an amazing art teacher.

What are you looking forward to in high school?
I’m looking forward to all the new opportunities and classes, like biology. I’m also super excited for high school because I get to meet a lot of new people.

Luz: “Something I learned at Peterson that I’ll bring with me to high school is how to persist. I’ve struggled through challenges, but learned not to stress and instead focus on improving and learning from my mistakes.”

Luz is a one-of-a-kind student who embodies the school’s core values. As an English language learner, she turned her English-dominated class into a two-way street, teaching her teachers and classmates Spanish through her "word of the day.” Luz doesn’t just work hard for herself; she lifts everyone else with her, and she does it with pride and joy.

What has been your favorite thing about your time at Peterson?
Peterson has been one of the best schools I’ve attended. It has helped me make so many friends from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, which has also helped me become more social.

How do you feel about attending high school in the fall?
I’m a little nervous but at the same time excited. I really like swimming, and the high school I’m attending will have swimming pools and offer it as a sport. I’m really looking forward to potentially getting involved with the sport because I already love swimming with my family and I’m really passionate about it.