MANSFIELD – For Sunshine Sipes, a 2025 graduate of St. Peter’s High School, the journey to graduation was anything but ordinary.
After attending six different public schools by the time she reached ninth grade, she arrived at St. Peter’s as a freshman expecting more of the same—another place to pass through, not one to call home. But St. Peter’s, she says, “changed the trajectory of [her] life.”
Located in the heart of Downtown Mansfield, St. Peter’s is a private Catholic school with a clear and compelling mission: Centered in Christ and committed to excellence, St. Peter’s School inspires and prepares students to lead lives of purpose.
That mission is not just words on a wall—it’s alive in every classroom, every student relationship, and every success story. St. Peter’s small class sizes create an environment where students are truly known and supported. For Sunshine, that made all the difference.
“[Sunshine was] so rough around the edges I needed extra coarse sandpaper,” said Coach Roy Shoulders, who formed one of her first and most meaningful mentor relationships.
“But no matter how many things she did wrong, I always told her, ‘You’re better than that.’ And she lived up to that every day.”
In the classroom and beyond, Sunshine was surrounded by adults who believed in her potential and were committed to her growth—including Dr. Cassandra Parente, Head of School. “I never saw myself as a high academic achiever,” Sunshine said, “but, little by little, Dr. Parente would push me toward what I never thought was achievable.”
One of the most defining experiences of Sunshine’s senior year was the Senior Capstone Course—a semester-long program co-led by faculty member Nick Granitz, Guidance Counselor Curt Lesher, and Dr. Parente.
This unique course helps students not only discern their next steps after high school, but also guides them through every practical detail: writing application essays, securing letters of recommendation, applying for scholarships, and finalizing college plans.
Thanks to that process and her own determination, Sunshine was able to secure enough funding to reduce her out-of-state tuition at Indiana State University to under $5,000 a year. She will begin there this fall, majoring in sports medicine with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer—a career inspired by the mentors who helped shape her journey.
“At St. Peter’s School, students are known not just for academic achievement, but for personal transformation,” said Dr. Parente. “Sunshine’s story is a shining example of the difference a values-based, faith-filled education can make.”
And Sunshine didn’t just change herself—she gave back. As a senior, she earned First Honors with a 4.0 GPA, participated in cross country and basketball, served as a Student Ambassador for the middle school, became an Assistant Coach for the boys’ basketball team, and tutored weekly at the elementary level.
“I saw so much of myself in those younger students,” Sunshine said. “I realized they looked up to me, and I wanted to show them that no matter what they go through, they matter—and they are capable of anything.”
At the Senior Awards Ceremony, Sunshine was honored with the Class of 2025 Core Value Award for Community, recognizing her faithful presence, service, and joyful participation in the life of the school.
“Whether classes were in session or the halls had long emptied, she was here—supporting events, helping others, and showing up simply because she loved being a part of St. Peter’s,” said Principal Jon Cuttitta. “Her presence was a constant reminder that community isn’t just where you are, it’s how you choose to belong.”
Sunshine Sipes’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and hope—and it’s a story that reflects the heart of the St. Peter’s Difference. In this Christ-centered, excellence-driven community, students are not only prepared for what’s next; they’re inspired to live with purpose.
If you’re ready for your child to experience the St. Peter’s Difference, schedule a tour today at https://mansfieldstpeters.org/school/tour/.
