2026 Students of Distinction

Riley Morey: Informed by her experiences, but not defined by them

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: Overcoming adversity

For Riley Morey, resilience was not something she chose early in life — it was something she learned out of necessity. Growing up amid instability, addiction, and difficult family circumstances, Riley spent much of her childhood helping care for her younger brother while learning how to navigate responsibilities far beyond her years.

“There was a moment where I realized I had to grow up very quickly,” Riley says.

Riley Morey

Despite those challenges, Riley never allowed her circumstances to define her future. Instead, she channeled her experiences into leadership, advocacy, and a deep commitment to supporting others who may feel unseen or limited by their situations.

One of the most important turning points in her life came during eighth grade, when a teacher recognized both Riley’s struggles and her potential. That encouragement helped Riley begin seeing herself differently — not only as someone capable of succeeding, but as someone deserving of support and opportunity herself.

“She showed me I could be more than the situation I was born into,” Riley says.

Since then, Riley has immersed herself in leadership and service opportunities throughout Peninsula High School. She has served in ASB, led AVID Club and Media Club, volunteered extensively within her community, and participated in statewide leadership programs. One of her most impactful moments came during a schoolwide empathy assembly, where she shared parts of her story publicly in hopes of encouraging others who may be struggling silently.

“The gym fell completely silent,” she recalls. “That was the moment I realized honesty can truly make a difference.”

Riley’s experiences also shaped her understanding of leadership itself. To her, true leadership is rooted in empathy, humility, and making people feel like they belong.

This fall, Riley will attend Central Washington University to study education with plans to become an English teacher. She hopes to one day support students facing adversity in the same way mentors once supported her.

“I want to be the kind of teacher who changes someone’s life,” Riley says.

And through her compassion, courage, and willingness to show up for others, she already has.