2026 Students of Distinction

Lilac Vicencio: A Key figure in a regional service club

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: Community service

For Lilac Vicencio, leadership has always been about creating space for others to feel heard, supported, and empowered. Through years of service with Key Club International, the Gig Harbor High School senior has combined compassion with remarkable organizational leadership, leaving an impact that extends far beyond her own school community.

Over the past four years, Lilac dedicated more than 400 service hours to community outreach, hospital volunteering, tutoring, and fundraising efforts supporting organizations such as UNICEF, the American Red Cross, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. But some of her most significant work came through her leadership roles within the Pacific Northwest District of Key Club International.

Lilac Vicencio

As Division 34 Lieutenant Governor, Lilac supported eight high schools across the region, helping coordinate service initiatives, guide student leaders, and strengthen collaboration between clubs. She later took on one of the organization’s most demanding leadership positions as Chair of the 77th Annual District Convention — overseeing a large-scale conference serving more than 1,600 attendees from across the Pacific Northwest and Canada.

“What makes this experience especially meaningful to me is the level of responsibility and trust placed in my leadership,” she says.

Over nearly a year of preparation, Lilac coordinated meetings, managed extensive resources, collaborated with dozens of stakeholders, and helped oversee a convention budget exceeding $650,000 — all while balancing school, leadership responsibilities, and personal commitments.

But beneath the impressive accomplishments is a deeply personal motivation. As a first-generation student and student of color, Lilac says her experiences helped her recognize how often marginalized voices can be overlooked.

“Those experiences ignited my commitment to advocacy, equity, and impact-driven leadership,” she says.

Looking ahead, Lilac hopes to pursue a future in medicine and healthcare administration, where she plans to continue advocating for patient-centered care and more equitable healthcare systems.

“I want to be a voice that drives meaningful, sustainable change,” she says.

Whether organizing regional conferences or volunteering within her local community, Lilac has consistently led with empathy, intention, and a belief that meaningful service begins with listening to and uplifting others.