2025 Students of Distinction
Alex Sprague: A multitalented artist and advocate for the arts
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: Peninsula High School
Category: Music, Arts and Drama
Alex Sprague is a dynamic and dedicated student whose creative talents and leadership have left an indelible mark on Peninsula High School’s performing arts community. A true triple threat in the arts – acting, singing, and design – she has spent her high school years immersing herself in theater, choir, and instrumental performance, as well as taking on behind-the-scenes roles in technical design and student leadership.
Her theatrical journey began with a standout freshman year performance that earned her the prestigious Broadway Coat Award for outstanding ensemble member. From there, Alex’s commitment to the stage only deepened. She has acted in numerous productions, painted sets, designed programs and promotional materials, and taken on leadership roles in both the technical department and the Theatre Council.
Alex Sprague
This year, she co-authored an original play, Robin Hood and the Trial for Truth, showcasing her talents as a storyteller and collaborator. The play, a wildly creative and highly praised production, framed Robin Hood in a courtroom drama told through seven wildly different genres – from Grimdark to Rom-Com to Mini-Musical. Alex not only wrote the framing storyline and the Western scene, but also contributed song lyrics, assisted in script editing, and helped bring to life the production’s deeper message: that voices often overlooked, like the nonverbal character Charlie’s, can hold the most essential truths.
In addition to her theater work, Alex is a gifted vocalist and pianist. She has earned state recognition in choir, including qualification for the State Treble Choir and selection as a State Alternate for both Mixed and Treble Choirs. Her musical achievements have earned her varsity letters and the Extra Mile Choir Award. She is also the pianist for the SAWS 2024 Graduation Recital.
The arts have shaped Alex far beyond the classroom and stage. Thirteen years of piano taught her discipline and consistency. Theatrical acting gave her the confidence to express herself. Choir taught her how to blend with others and build community through collaboration. Speech & Debate helped her become a persuasive communicator, and painting showed her the value of perseverance and growth. Through leadership positions in the arts, she learned to organize large groups and guide projects to completion – skills she’ll carry with her long after graduation.
Academically, Alex is equally accomplished. She is a full-time Running Start student at Tacoma Community College, consistently earning Dean’s List honors while maintaining high performance at Peninsula High School. She is a National Honor Society member and an award-winning speech and debate competitor, with multiple first-place finishes in SPAR and informative speaking categories.
Despite her demanding academic and artistic commitments, Alex still finds time to serve her community – volunteering hundreds of hours in the school auditorium and advocating for the arts as the PSD Student Arts Representative. She plans to spend a year studying in Japan through TCC’s sister school program before pursuing a degree in political science and eventually attending law school.
Alex’s creativity and resilience are deeply rooted in the influence of her late grandmother, Voski, who homeschooled her until fourth grade and nurtured her imaginative spirit. Voski encouraged her to take bold risks, think outside the box, and pursue her passions wholeheartedly. “I wish she were here to see me graduate,” Alex says. “Thank you, Voski – for everything.”
With her remarkable blend of talent, discipline, and heart, Alex is a standout nominee for the Music, Arts, and Drama category. Her story is one of excellence, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to using her voice – and the voices of others – for good.