Audrey Ortiz-Peterson, a graduating senior at Mount Vernon High School, will soon attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. Her story was shared by Fairfax County Public Schools on May 14, highlighting her experiences as a military-connected student who attended eight different schools across several states.
Ortiz-Peterson’s journey reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by many children in military families. Frequent moves required her to adapt quickly to new environments and sometimes repeat courses due to credit transfers. She said, “A lot of people don’t know how different the lifestyle is, how challenging it is. It may seem cool to some to do all the moves and one day be snow-shoeing in P.E. class in Alaska, and the next be living ten minutes from Destin Beach in Florida. But you’re not just moving, you are leaving behind everything you’ve ever known.”
At Mount Vernon High School, Ortiz-Peterson became president of the Purple Team, which supports military-connected students. She previously served as secretary and vice president for the group before leading it during her senior year. She arranged for members to lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the first time and worked to increase events that strengthen community ties among students with similar backgrounds.
Ortiz-Peterson credits school staff with helping her adjust academically and personally after arriving at Mount Vernon. “She helped me figure out everything that was offered here and encouraged me,” Ortiz-Peterson said about International Baccalaureate coordinator Sarah Freeland. “She made sure I had the right schedule to challenge myself and meet my goals from the classes that were offered.”
In addition to academics, Ortiz-Peterson joined cross country, indoor track, outdoor track—becoming captain of all three teams—and briefly played softball. Reflecting on these activities she said: “Running gave me traits that shaped me. It showed me that something can be both tough and rewarding at the same time, that doing something hard can make you better for it in the end.”
Ortiz-Peterson also credited support from family members—including three younger siblings—as well as teachers who helped secure a Congressional nomination from U.S Representative Neal Dunn for her appointment to West Point.
Looking ahead, Ortiz-Peterson expressed gratitude for those who supported her along this journey: “I had so many supporters here,” she said. “I know they want me to do my best, and I want that as well.”