2026 Students of Distinction

Aspen Rainford: Creating worlds through animation and film

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: Henderson Bay High School

Category: Music, art and drama

For Aspen Rainford, art began as an escape. Growing up in a difficult home environment, Aspen found comfort in sketchbooks, animation, and storytelling — creating worlds that felt safer, freer, and more controllable than reality. What started as a coping mechanism eventually grew into a powerful creative passion that now shapes nearly every aspect of their life.

“I created worlds and characters that were different from my own,” Aspen says. “That’s where my love for art really started.”

Aspen Rainford

Throughout high school, Aspen transformed that passion into an impressive body of creative work, producing animated films, paintings, digital artwork, screenplays, and commissioned costume designs. While participating in Running Start at Olympic College in Bremerton, Aspen also became deeply involved in the local film community, collaborating on short films and creative projects through the school’s Film Club.

One of the most meaningful experiences came during the West Sound 72-Hour Film Competition, where Aspen worked alongside fellow filmmakers to create a short film under intense time pressure.

“That weekend was chaotic, but one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done,” Aspen says. “Something about everyone’s passion to create together was one of the best feelings.”

Beyond the arts, Aspen has also dedicated significant time to leadership and service, serving as president of Henderson Bay’s Interact Club and participating in international community service trips to Guatemala. Those experiences, combined with Aspen’s own childhood challenges, strengthened a deep belief in compassion and giving back.

“No matter how far I stray from my old life, I’ll never forget what it felt like to be given a second chance,” Aspen says.

Aspen hopes to continue pursuing animation and filmmaking in the future, using storytelling to explore difficult topics, amplify unheard voices, and create work that helps people feel understood.

“If my art reaches even one person and helps them feel seen,” Aspen says, “then I’ve done my job as an artist.”