2026 Students of Distinction

Bonnie Dalby: Exploring art through music, theater and cosplay design

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: Art, music and drama

For Bonnie Dalby, creativity has never been limited to a single stage, studio, or medium. Whether performing in orchestra concerts, acting in musical theatre productions, designing award-winning cosplay creations, or sewing custom costumes entirely from scratch, the Peninsula High School senior has built a life centered around artistic exploration and fearless creativity.

Bonnie’s artistic journey began with music, studying violin through private lessons and performing for four years with the Tacoma Youth Symphony Orchestra. But over time, her creativity expanded into costume design and cosplay craftsmanship — a field where she quickly distinguished herself on regional and international stages.

Bonnie Dalby

As a competitive craftsmanship cosplayer, Bonnie designs and constructs intricate costumes from the ground up, creating her own sewing patterns, embroidery, accessories, and detailed designs entirely by hand. Her work has earned multiple awards, including first place original design at Sakura-Con 2025 and recognition at conventions across the Pacific Northwest and Canada.

One of her proudest opportunities came when a film student at Savannah College of Art and Design commissioned Bonnie to create superhero costumes for a senior film project now gaining industry attention.

Beyond costume design, Bonnie has also become a familiar face in Peninsula’s theatre department, performing in productions including Freaky Friday, The Wizard of Oz, and Legally Blonde while simultaneously contributing backstage through costume and technical work.

“I want to encourage people to try everything,” Bonnie says. “You may find something you’re incredibly passionate about along the way.”

That willingness to embrace new experiences has shaped every aspect of Bonnie’s high school journey — from athletics and NJROTC to leadership opportunities and volunteer work. She believes leadership means serving others, empowering those around you, and helping create welcoming spaces where people can grow creatively and personally.

This fall, Bonnie will attend Parsons School of Design to study fashion design, with plans to further develop her artistic voice and pursue a future in creative industries that continue inspiring boldness, curiosity, and self-expression.