2025 Students of Distinction

Taylor Bell: A passionate steward of the ocean

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: Science & Technology

Taylor Bell has always felt a pull toward the sea. What began as a fascination with biology in middle school quickly evolved into a deep-rooted passion for marine science, particularly the preservation of coral reefs. Now, as she prepares to attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa to pursue a degree in Marine Sciences, Taylor is eager to turn that passion into a lifelong mission to protect and restore ocean ecosystems.

With a 3.867 GPA and six advanced courses under her belt, Taylor has balanced academic achievement with a deep commitment to service and leadership. She’s a four-year varsity water polo athlete, team captain, and recipient of multiple “Most Inspirational” awards – testaments to both her grit and her ability to uplift those around her. She also participated in Swim and Dive, served as co-creator and treasurer of the Sewing Club, and is an active member of the National Honor Society. Incredibly, Taylor has completed over 430 hours of community service through Waypoint Church, modeling the kind of care and consistency that defines her character.

Taylor Bell

What excites Taylor most is the intersection of science and innovation – specifically, how technological advancements are transforming coral restoration efforts. She dreams of contributing to projects that develop sustainable solutions to combat climate change, ocean acidification, and coral bleaching. Her admiration for coral farming technologies and other restoration breakthroughs reflects not only her scientific curiosity but a profound sense of environmental responsibility.

Taylor credits her high school experience with offering flexibility and support to explore her interests – especially through the encouragement of teachers like Mr. Knowels, who made learning both engaging and meaningful. Now, as she looks ahead to the next chapter, Taylor’s vision is clear: to be a voice for the ocean, a leader in conservation, and a scientist driven by purpose.