2026 Students of Distinction

Mars Burton: A passion for policy and public speaking

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: Academics

For Mars Burton, growth has come through finding the courage to use their voice. What started as a quiet interest in political philosophy eventually transformed into a passion for public speaking, advocacy, and justice — a journey that has shaped nearly every aspect of their high school experience.

Mars traces that passion back to middle school, when they picked up a copy of Machiavelli’s The Prince. “I hated it,” Mars says with a laugh. “But it sparked a lifelong interest in political philosophy.”

That curiosity led Mars to Speech and Debate at Peninsula High School, where they quickly found both purpose and community. As a freshman, Mars was the sole member of the Lincoln-Douglas debate team. By senior year, they had become team captain, a two-time national qualifier, and one of the program’s strongest student leaders.

“Speech and Debate changed my life,” Mars says. “I went from crying through two-minute speeches to breaking at state and becoming a two-time national qualifier.”

Beyond competition, Mars found fulfillment in mentoring younger students and helping them build confidence in themselves. “When I see others succeed, it reminds me that I can play a role in making others feel inspired,” they say.

Mars also pursued leadership in other areas of campus life, serving as lead sound designer for theater productions, participating in choir, volunteering through Interact Club, and working as a shift lead at Figaro’s Pizza, where they managed employees and coordinated fast-paced evening operations.

Despite a packed schedule, Mars remained grounded in a strong sense of empathy and justice. They hope to eventually pursue a career in law, using communication and advocacy skills to create meaningful change for others.

“As a lawyer, I won’t look to strive to completely change the world,” Mars says. “But small changes that help real people’s lives are my ultimate goal.”

Whether mentoring teammates, leading backstage crews, or speaking in front of judges, Mars has learned that leadership is not about perfection — it is about growth, courage, and helping others find their own voice along the way.