2026 Students of Distinction

Corbin Cohoe: Finding confidence through a fire science program

Gig Harbor Now is posting profiles featuring the Students of Distinction being honored by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. Peers, teachers or parents nominate students, who must be a graduating senior at a Peninsula School District school. A panel of community leaders selects students to be honored in one of seven categories: academics; athletics; career and technical excellence; community service; music, arts and drama; overcoming adversity; and science and technology.

These students will be celebrated during a banquet from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at Ocean5, 5268 Pt. Fosdick Dr.

School: Peninsula High School

Category: Career and technical excellence

For much of his academic journey, Corbin Cohoe struggled to see his own potential. Living with dyslexia made school feel like an uphill battle, and there were times when the Peninsula High School senior questioned whether graduation — or a successful future — was truly within reach.

But everything began to change when Corbin enrolled in the Fire Science Program at West Sound Technical Skills Center.

Corbin Cohoe

“For the first time, I found a place where I really belonged,” Corbin says.

The hands-on, fast-paced nature of firefighting gave him an environment where he could thrive. Instead of feeling limited by academic challenges, Corbin discovered confidence through teamwork, discipline, and practical skill development. He quickly developed a passion for serving others and preparing for a career in the fire service.

“I’m most proud of going through firefighting training and sticking with it even when it got tough,” he says. “It proved I can handle challenges and still improve.”

Corbin says some of his favorite moments came during training exercises that required focus, teamwork, and quick decision making. “I felt confident and locked in on what I needed to do,” he says.

Although dyslexia continued to present challenges in both school and technical training, Corbin learned to approach setbacks differently over time. Instead of viewing struggles as barriers, he began seeing them as opportunities to grow through patience, persistence, and asking for help when needed.

“Struggling with something doesn’t mean I can’t succeed at it,” he says.

That shift in mindset transformed not only his academic outlook, but also his belief in himself and his future. Through perseverance and hard work, Corbin found purpose in a career path dedicated to protecting and serving his community.

Now preparing for the next chapter beyond high school, Corbin carries with him a renewed sense of confidence and direction — proof that growth is not always about taking the easiest path, but about continuing forward even when the road feels difficult.