Hannah Gilman

PHS senior dedicates hundreds of hours to community service; excels in sports, academics

Hannah Gilman first became involved in community service through her church, volunteering for yard cleanups, Bible school and other activities. In high school, her volunteer involvement expanded, and she contributed her time to a variety of groups and causes, both on an off campus.

“Helping other people when you don’t have to is such a fulfillment, and it’s exciting to see their reaction when you help them,” she said.

Gilman’s volunteer work has included the community-service school club, National Honor Society and her younger brother’s Peninsula Athletic Association basketball team. She said one of her most memorable experiences was a mission trip to Port Simpson, British Columbia, where her group spent time with children on an Indian reservation. They taught Bible school, organized games and activities, and spent about 12 hours a day with the youngsters.

“The kids were so excited to see us,” she said. “It was a great experience. I would love to do it again.”

Gilman said she loves working with children: she started babysitting when she was 12. Her desire to work with children is one of the reasons she hopes to become a nurse.

Gilman made that decision when she was in eighth grade, after a friend was injured and she experienced a hospital atmosphere for the first time. She said she’s considering attending Olympic College in Bremerton to obtain a four-year degree in nursing.

“Hannah’s goal of nursing is a perfect fit for her,” said Mary Lyssand, a National Board Certified teacher at PHS. “She has an incredibly positive attitude, always smiling and is definitely one of her class’ leaders. Her demeanor and commitment would be a valuable asset in a nursing career.”

Gilman already has a head-start in her field. As an athletic trainer for the high school football team, Gilman had to address medical issues such as sprained ankles. She spent nearly 300 hours as a team volunteer, and she also got to know many of the freshman students on the team.

“I feel like I helped them feel more comfortable with the school atmosphere,” she said.

Gilman is a well-rounded student who has excelled in academics and athletics, in addition to spending hundreds of hours performing community service. She has maintained a high grade-point average while taking several advanced-placement and honors classes.

“Hannah never shies away from difficult tasks,” said her English teacher, Lynda Richards. “ ... Her personal integrity is amazingly mature. She does not believe in shortcuts.”

Gilman is a three-year member of the school’s track and field team. She shares the school record in the 400- and 800-meter relays, and the district record in the 400 relay. Gilman said last year was an especially a great one.

“We achieved more than we thought we would,” she said.

Hannah Gilman

Education: Senior, Peninsula High School

GPA: 3.647

Parents: Darin and Elaine Gilman

Activities/achievements: Varsity and JV basketball, Scholar Athlete, Distinguished Scholastic Award; varsity track, Scholar Athlete, Seamount League All-Academic first team, went to state meet for three years; football Scholar Athlete; National Honor Society president; volunteer for Winterfest, PAA boys basketball, Carenet, Tacoma Rescue Mission, SAVE, Special Olympics and others; church youth group and youth camp; mission trip; Business Week.

Favorite teacher: Lynda Richards “has always encouraged me and helped me with my writing skills.”

Best thing about high school: “My high school is the best. We have a warm atmosphere, are accepting of others and encouraging of others’ goals and ambitions. Our school spirit is a huge part of who we are. We are proud to be Seahawks!”