2026 Students of Distinction

Kaitlyn LaTendresse: Making a meaningful difference in the community

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: Gig Harbor High School

Category: Academics

For Kaitlyn LaTendresse, success is not defined by awards or accolades, but by the impact she leaves on the people and communities around her. While the Gig Harbor High School senior has built an impressive list of accomplishments — including serving as student representative to the Peninsula School District Board of Directors, National Honors Society President, AP Scholar with Distinction, and captain of the girls swim and dive team — her greatest motivation has always been making a meaningful difference.

“To me, success is living a life where I am happy and I am able to make a positive difference in the world,” Kaitlyn says.

Kaitlyn LaTendresse

Throughout high school, Kaitlyn balanced 16 advanced courses alongside year-round competitive swimming and extensive volunteer work. In every space she entered, she focused on building connection and creating opportunities for others. As NHS President, she helped strengthen relationships between Gig Harbor High School and local elementary schools by organizing volunteer opportunities, mentorship panels, and community events that brought younger students and high schoolers together.

“I am proud to be playing a part in expanding the idea of our school community to include all students in our district,” she says.

Her leadership philosophy was also shaped through her role on the Peninsula School District Board of Directors, where she advocated for student voices and observed the importance of thoughtful, compassionate leadership. “Leadership means more than just high performance,” she explains. “It means connecting with people, building trust between communities, and demonstrating kindness to everyone.”

Outside the classroom, Kaitlyn distinguished herself as one of the area’s top swimmers, earning multiple MVP honors and league recognition while competing nationally with King Aquatic Club.

This fall, Kaitlyn will attend the Colorado School of Mines to pursue degrees in Chemical Engineering while continuing her collegiate swim career. She hopes to eventually work to reduce environmental damage within the petroleum industry and help create a more sustainable future — a goal that reflects the same service-minded values that have defined her high school journey.