Dan Fox

GHHS senior an excellent academic with passion for Chinese language, plans for career in diplomacy

Dan Fox is the No. 1-ranked student at Gig Harbor High School, and he’s named by several teachers as one of the top students they’ve ever had.

Despite an impressive academic resume and scores of 5 on several advanced-placement tests, he said he hasn’t achieved much yet, when he’s asked about his accomplishments.

Among Fox’s interests is Chinese language and culture. He started studying the language during his freshman year, and he was one of the students selected last year for an exchange trip to China. This year, he delivered a welcome address, in Chinese, to visitors from China.

“Chinese is really fascinating, and it’s a passion I hope to pursue,” he said.

Fox said the trip to China was phenomenal, especially meeting people from different walks of life and “getting to build human connections.”

While he’s exploring his career options, he’s considering political science and Chinese in college, with a possibility of working in Chinese diplomacy.

“I’m interested in politics, because there is a lot of bad stuff going on in the world and it seemed a concerted effort is needed,” Fox said.

Fox already has been involved in the political process, both as a member of Young Democrats and as a member of the school’s speech and debate team. For his senior project, he organized a political forum last fall for the 26th District Legislative candidates, which was well-received.

Fox joined the speech and debate team when he was a sophomore, and he’s received several honors. He said being on the team is one of the highlights of high school which took a lot of research and preparation.

But he said the best part was meeting interesting people and making friendships.

“Dan is one of the 10 most intelligent young men I have taught in 39 years of teaching,” said Dr. Douglas Perry, a Gig Harbor High School teacher. “His intellectual qualities match his genuine humanity.

“When he spoke in class, it was modest and insightful, never drawing attention to himself.”

In addition to maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average, Fox has been a member of several clubs at Gig Harbor High, including as president and founder.

Fox has been described by teachers as a person of “impeccable integrity,” “extremely responsible,” insightful and confident.

He also is a compassionate individual and a natural leader.

“He is one of the most exceptional young men I’ve had the pleasure to guide during my long education career,” said Matthew Westby, a counselor at GHHS. “Dan occupies the top 1 percent of students I’ve had the pleasure to work with in my 27 years in public education.”

Dan Fox

Education: Senior, Gig Harbor High School

GPA: 4.0

Parents: Bill and Peggy Fox

Activities/achievements: Speech and debate co-captain; Whitman Debate Tournament forum debate champion; National Honor Society; PSAT National Merit Scholar; Rotary Club Student of Distinction; Chinese exchange; Knowledge Bowl; Chinese Club president; Calculus Club founder and president; leader for local Obama campaign; peer tutor; vacation Bible school leader; Model United Nations; classical guitar.

Favorite teacher: Douglas Perry, “for his teaching style and his excellent ability to take a joke,” he said.

Best thing about high school: The people and huge variety of personalities.