Students of Distinction shine at community banquet

Published: 05/17/13 10:50:31

The best and the brightest of the 2013 graduating classes of high schools in the Peninsula School District were honored at Wednesday night’s 11th annual Students of Distinction Community Banquet at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor. The event was put on by The Peninsula Gateway.

Congratulations to the 2013 Students of Distinction

Published: 05/08/13 09:21:46

The Peninsula Gateway and its sponsors are pleased to announce the 2013 Students of Distinction. We will honor 36 graduating Peninsula School District seniors for outstanding achievement in seven different categories — Academics, Athletics, Business & Entrepreneurs, Community Service, Music, Drama & Arts, Overcoming Adversity and Science & Technology.

In the coming weeks, we will feature each of the students who were nominated by a community member and selected by a committee from their respective schools. The nine-week series began March 13 and will conclude May 8.

Along with our sponsors — Umpqua Bank, Franciscan Health System, Kitsap Credit Union, Peninsula Light Company, Olympic Property Group and the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation — we will host a community banquet on Wednesday, May 15, in the Gathering Place at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Gig Harbor. Tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for students. For more information, call 253-358-4141.

Here are quick links to previously published student profiles:

Week 1: Hannah Anderson | Kyla Borders | Jack Chakerian | Reese Bowen

Week 2: Chloe Bethke | Amanda Gordon | Katarina Pearson | Jessica Schatz

Week 3: Kristen East | Austin Filkins | Courtney Jost | Michelle McCormack

Week 4: Brett Biggs | Michaela Crown | Mackenzie Dowd | Daniel Konicek

Week 5: Emilie Laakso | Bill Herling | Ben Focht | Carrie Beyerly

Week 6: Skye Bible | Jenni Glover | Amelia Lauer | Mariko Roths

Week 7: Niquelle Cassador | Annalisa Cochrane | Sara Meisburger | Alex Weymiller

Week 8: Sarah Clark | Nick Gagliardi | Anna Mikkelborg | Tyler Stolz

Week 9: Tawnee Guinn | Aspen Ison | Marissa O'Quinn | Alex Richmond

Alex Richmond

Published: 05/08/13 09:16:04

Alex Richmond is an accomplished musician who plans to pursue his passion after high school. He has studied the guitar for about 10 years through private lessons and now teaches others, both as a professional and as a volunteer teacher.

Marissa O'Quinn

Published: 05/08/13 09:14:56

Marissa O'Quinn is a well-rounded student who equally excels in academics and athletics and pursues other interests. A gymnast since she was 4, O'Quinn is a distinguished athlete and a leader in the classroom.

Aspen Ison

Published: 05/08/13 09:13:22

Aspen Ison has been playing sports since she was in kindergarten, when she started out with soccer. She got into softball when she was 8, and she played for a traveling team that competed all around the country just a few years later.

Tawnee Guinn

Published: 05/08/13 09:11:26

Tawnee Guinn got involved in community service in Gig Harbor shortly after she moved to the area from Las Vegas as a teenager, and she hasn't stopped since.

Tyler Stolz

Published: 05/05/13 11:46:47

Tyler Stolz is a multi-sport athlete who likes to balance her schedule with multiple activities. She's a top academic, and she does community service and volunteer work, but she also makes sure to take time off for herself.

Anna Mikkelborg

Published: 05/05/13 11:45:28

Anna Mikkelborg is a top scholar who has pursued several creative passions. A talented vocalist, she performed with several groups, been involved with community service and sports.

Nick Gagliardi

Published: 05/05/13 11:44:21

Nick Gagliardi started playing catch with his father when he was 4 or 5 and got into T-ball. He hasn't stopped playing baseball ever since, and plans to play in college.

Sarah Clark

Published: 05/05/13 11:42:36

Sarah Clark is proud to be looking ahead to college, considering a few years ago she wasn't sure she'd graduate high school. Clark has experienced a series of struggles that have completely changed her life.