Katarina Pearson has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She became serious about art when she was in fifth grade and started to draw people, and she improved her skill through books and information online. She has taken numerous art classes since she was in middle school, from photography and ceramics to glass art.

“What many staff members find to be the most impressive about Katarina is her natural ability to express herself through art and writing,” Henderson Bay High School Principal Dave Goodwin said. “She is very creative, and when she is working on a project, she truly pours herself into it.”

Pearson draws mostly things she enjoys, such as characters from video games and comic books. She also creates her own characters, inspired by books, movies and songs.

An avid video game player, she has ventured into digital art and wants to combine her two passions in a future career as a graphic designer.

“I hope to get a job doing all the things that I love,” she said. “Graphic design has a combination of the things I love and a digital side.”

Pearson said she struggled with depression and other challenges when she was younger and tried to give up art, but she couldn’t do it.

“I had low self-esteem, and I wanted to quit so bad, but I kept going,” she said. “I got so much better because I kept practicing.”

At Henderson Bay, Pearson said she was inspired by a teacher last year to become a better student. Since then, she’s turned herself around academically and has been highly motivated to succeed.

“In (her) art classes, she proved to be an intelligent, articulate, curious and a creative student who was willing to take her chances with her artwork,” said Patrick Duffey, a teacher in core subjects as well as art at Henderson Bay High School. “I think Kat will be successful at anything she sets her mind to.”

Pearson has been described as a genuine and friendly person who has a “high level of emotional intelligence. She plans to attend Seattle Art Institute.

“Kat is dedicated to succeed at school and in the professional world, as evident with her plans to attend Seattle Art Institute,” said Greg Brashear, who teaches core subjects and social studies at Henderson Bay. “Her accountability, hard work, respect and leadership will serve her well for years to come.”

Katarina Pearson

Category: Music, Drama and Art

Education: Senior, Henderson Bay High School

GPA: 3.5

Parents: David and Annmarie Pearson

Activities and achievements: First place in Chalk the Walk competition; Student of the Month; Harbor Hope Cat Rescue and Tacoma Human Society volunteer; achievement certificates in social studies, writing, science and walking fitness, numerous art classes

Favorite teachers: Greg Brashear and Patrick Duffey. “They’ve always been very supportive of me and believed in me and my art, more than anyone, even me. They’ve helped me become a better, more successful person.”

Best thing about high school: “The best thing about my high school is, honestly, everything. The teachers and staff truly care about you and your success and help in any way possible, and the kids are all friendly and nice. Henderson Bay is truly like a family. It’s the best place ever.”