Founded in 2003, by The Peninsula Gateway, the Students of Distinction program has honored more than 560 graduating seniors from the Peninsula School District. The program came under the Foundation in 2013.

Each February, ~36 high school seniors are nominated by teachers, peers, parents, or community members in seven categories. Then, beginning in April each year, The Peninsula Gateway features vignettes highlighting the students’ accomplishments over a six week period leading up to the awards ceremony held in late May.

Sponsors as Kitsap Credit Union, Peninsula Light Company, The Peninsula Gateway, Olympic Property Group, Umpqua Bank, Franciscan Health System, Greater Gig Harbor Foundation and individual donors have helped to provided more than $10,000 in scholarship funds annually - over $231,500 to date.