Ian Hash

Peninsula High School senior a star athlete and effective leader, plans an engineering career

Ian Hash has been described by his teachers as a remarkable person with a wide variety of abilities. He is a strong student and a star athlete who has been involved on three varsity teams at Peninsula High School.

Hash was on the track and basketball teams when coach Joel Wingard convinced him to join cross country, as well.

“Already a two-sport participant and cautious by nature, he was reluctant to add a third athletic commitment to a very busy schedule,” Wingard said. “However, when he did join, he immediately became a key varsity performer.”

Hash became the team’s No. 3 runner and a two-time state qualifier, as well as a member of the all-league team. He was elected to be captain by his teammates.

“He was definitely one of the most effective team captains I have had to work with in my 30 years of coaching,” Wingard said.

Hash received the Scholar Athlete and other awards in all of his varsity sports. He has maintained a 3.74 grade-point average while taking several advanced-placement and honors courses and keeping a busy community service schedule.

A certified lifeguard at the PHS pool, he also pursues other activities. He said keeping busy helps him maintain focus on his work.

Hash’s volunteer activities include working at the SAVE Thrift store and at a homeless shelter. He also was a member of a mission trip team to Mexico, which called an “eye-opening experience.”

Hash plans to study civil engineering in college and work on projects that involve structures like bridges and skyscrapers.

“Building things has been interesting to me, and I like to do things with my hands,” he said.

Hash’s brother, an electrical engineer, also helped inspire his career choice.

“Ian is able to accomplish tasks set before him while maintaining an aspect of fun and enthusiasm,” PHS English teacher Lynda Richards said. “He adds energy to any group he is involved with, and is sincerely liked and appreciated by adults and peers.”

Hash has enjoyed diverse experiences, such as photography and video editing and being a counselor at a basketball camp. He plans to continue his athletic pursuits in college.

“My hard work has paid off,” he said. “Being busy helped me stay on track.”

Ian Hash

Education: Senior, Peninsula High School

GPA: 3.74

Parents: Scott and Peggy Hash

Activities/achievements: Varsity cross country team captain, Distinguished Scholastic Award, Scholar Athlete, Coaches Award, All-League First Team, state participant; varsity basketball, Seahawk Attitude Award, Scholar Athlete, Outstanding Scholastic and other awards; varsity track, Scholar Athlete; Business Week CEO; Yearbook video editor, National Honor Society; volunteer at Olalla Elementary, Tacoma homeless shelter, WinterFest; PHS lifeguard.

Favorite teacher: Lynda Richards, “because she always had a positive attitude and believed in my writing ability, which helped me pass the AP exam,” Hash said.

Best thing about high school: The uplifting atmosphere. “Everyone is very accepting, even to students who appear ‘different’ from the norm,” Hash said. “Every student at PHS has strong individuality and displays it with pride.”