2026 Students of Distinction

Adylyn “Addy” Hill: Getting things done

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. Wednesday, May 20, at Ocean5, 5268 Pt. Fosdick Dr.

School: Peninsula High School

Category: Career and technical excellence

For Adylyn “Addy” Hill, ambition has always come naturally. Whether balancing college-level coursework, cheerleading, entrepreneurship, or preparing for a future in healthcare, the Peninsula High School senior has built her high school experience around hard work, independence, and a genuine desire to care for others.

Addy’s interest in dental hygiene began as early as sixth grade and steadily grew into a clear career path. Through Running Start, she accelerated toward that goal by completing college science and healthcare prerequisite courses while still in high school. This fall, she plans to complete her associate degree and apply to dental hygiene programs across Washington, with Pierce College as her top choice.

Addy Hill

“I’m drawn to hands-on work where I can help people in a practical way,” Addy says. “It’s become a long-term goal I’ve actively worked toward.”

Outside the classroom, Addy’s drive led her to start her own business at just 17 years old — an experience she says shaped her confidence and independence more than anything else. Managing a business while balancing academics and extracurriculars taught her discipline, communication, and responsibility in real time.

“It showed me I can create something from an idea and follow through with it,” she says.

Known by friends and family as someone who “gets things done,” Addy embraces staying busy and fully engaged in the world around her. She thrives through creativity, whether drawing, painting, crafting, or exploring new experiences outdoors with family and friends.

Despite her packed schedule, Addy remains grounded in positivity and connection with others. Her kindness and encouragement earned her numerous peer-voted honors through both cheerleading and AVID, including the Inspirational Award and Kindness Award.

For Addy, success is not simply reaching a destination — it is about becoming someone dependable, hardworking, and continually growing along the way. “Success means staying consistent with long-term goals and building a life that feels both stable and meaningful,” she says.

With her compassion, determination, and strong sense of purpose, Addy is already well on her way toward building exactly that.