2025 Students of Distinction

Eleanor Trott: A theater star with a heart for storytelling

Gig Harbor Now is posting profiles featuring the Students of Distinction being honored by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. Peers, teachers or parents nominate students, who must be a graduating senior at a Peninsula School District school. A panel of community leaders selects students to be honored in one of seven categories: academics; athletics; career and technical excellence; community service; music, arts and drama; overcoming adversity; and science and technology.

These students will be celebrated during a banquet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Ocean5, 5268 Point Fosdick Dr.

School: Gig Harbor High School

Category: Music, Art and Drama

For Eleanor Trott, the stage is more than a place to perform — it’s a place to grow, to lead, and to discover her voice in more ways than one. A dedicated member of the Gig Harbor High School Drama Club for all four years, Eleanor has immersed herself in nearly every aspect of theater, from acting and singing to directing and behind-the-scenes production work. Whether she was portraying Liesl in The Sound of Music, the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol, or directing her own one-act, Eleanor has approached each opportunity with a strong sense of dedication, creativity, and grace.

In addition to her impressive on-stage experience, Eleanor’s contributions extend into leadership roles. She has served as a junior officer on the Drama Club board for two years and was selected as a student director for the One Act Showcase. Her talent and hard work earned her state recognition for her solo musical performance at the Washington Thespy Conference. She has also taken voice lessons for four years and has supported her school’s visual arts by designing posters and participating in summer youth programs as a volunteer camp counselor.

Eleanor Trott

Eleanor’s love for the arts is matched by her academic success. She maintains an outstanding 3.975 GPA and plans to attend a four-year university to study Marine Biology or Biology, with top choices including the University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of St. Andrews in Scotland, and George Fox University.

Outside of school, theater has played a powerful role in shaping who she is. It has taught her resilience, confidence, and the importance of community. “I’ve learned how to deal with rejection and failure by moving forward with grace and kindness,” she reflects. Her most memorable performance was playing Liesl in The Sound of Music – an especially personal role, as she was “actually 16 going on 17” during the production.

Eleanor draws creative inspiration from her family, recalling fond memories of singing with her aunt in the kitchen and performing in church. Their ongoing support continues to motivate her to strive for excellence, in the arts and beyond.

With talent, heart, and a clear sense of purpose, Eleanor is a shining example of how the arts can shape and uplift a young life.