Every year the Great Gig Harbor Foundation honors students from the Peninsula School District by granting awards to those who have shown outstanding accomplishments within specific fields. Out of the total 33 students, there are 14 seniors from Gig Harbor High School—2 for each of the 7 categories.

In the category of academics, we have Jacob Gabe (12) and Emma Sebring (12), both of whom have become highly passionate about learning through intriguing and challenging classes. Interested in both STEM and humanities, Sebring has accumulated a broad set of academic achievements from both GHHS and TCC. She has always been fond of learning, a passion that has been greatly encouraged by her family while growing up. Her niece especially was a big motivator for pursuing her high academic achievements, in addition to multiple role models such as her mom, Katherine Johnson, and Rosalind Franklin. “These women helped encourage my own curiosity and adoration for science and our universe,” said Sebring. Throughout her high school career, she has realized how important it is to accept the fact that you can’t know everything and that being wrong is an essential step in learning. “It sounds counterintuitive, but in my experience, by learning more you come to realize that you really know next to nothing compared to so many brilliant minds already out in the world,” said Sebring. “Being ok admitting when I am wrong or do not understand something has been a steep learning curve but something that protects me from willful ignorance and further feeds my determination to know more,” Sebring continued. She hopes to put her combined STEM and humanities knowledge to good use by becoming a perfusionist—the person running the bypass machine in an operating room. To pursue this career, Sebrig is going to major in biomedical engineering at the University of Utah in the fall and then hopefully stay to get her master’s in perfusion as well.

Music is an essential part of the high school experience for many, especially so for award winners James McCourt (12) and Eleanor Trott (12). Although a master of multiple instruments, McCourt has found that his true passion is playing the clarinet. “My plan is to attend Bard College and Conservatory, double majoring in clarinet performance and sociology, and then hopefully going to get my master’s degree in clarinet performance,” said McCourt. Ever since his parents encouraged him to play music, he has found great joy in doing it. “I’m really passionate about my craft and want to have more opportunities to perform. I think it’s fun, and I make a lot of great memories doing it,” said McCourt. Throughout his high school career, he has collected a great deal of accomplishments, including an impressive first-place finish at the State Solo and Ensemble competition in Small Woodwind.

For the category of Career and Technical Excellence, the winners were Carly Ikei (12) and Jamison Nielsen (12), both of whom have shown distinction in their respective fields. Nielsen has shown outstanding leadership and success in the Technology Student Association, especially through architectural competitive events. He credits Mr. Marten as the reason for his architectural pursuit and competitive achievements within the TSA. From his experiences, he has gained a better understanding of many important life skills. “The most important thing that I have learned from my academics and participation in the Technology Student Association is the importance of collaboration and the value of leadership,” said Nielsen. After high school he plans on putting his expertise to use at Northeastern University, where he will be majoring in architecture and participating in Army ROTC.

In addition to academics, there are also awards for exceptional community service, which were given to Sarena Thoms (12) and Emily Angell (12). With over 300 hours of service, Angell has found that helping others is what she wants to do as a career. Ever since she started volunteering, she has found a true passion for nursing. She realized how important it is to take advantage of the opportunities that you get and put yourself out of your comfort zone. “If something isn’t for you, then it isn’t for you, but it’s worth trying,” said Angell. After high school she will be going to George Fox University and trying to figure out what exactly she would like to pursue further within nursing.

The remaining Students of Distinction in their respective categories are the tenacious cross-country runners Taylor Sletner (12) and Joey Campbell (12) for Athletics, the bright minds of Henry Davis (12) and Jack Petrie (12) for Science and Technology, and the resilient Aubrey Wade (12) and Joncee Lenker (12) for Overcoming Diversity. There is no doubt that all of these determined students deserve credit for their excellent accomplishments and hard work. They have already started their path to a bright future!