2023 Students of Distinction

Brendan Masini Jr. a leader in the classroom and on the field

Gig Harbor Now is posting profiles of each of the Students of Distinction being honored by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. The students will be honored during a banquet from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Ocean5, 5268 Point Fosdick Dr.

Student: Brendan Masini Jr.

School: Gig Harbor High School

Category: Academic Achievement

As a member of a military family, Brendan Masini has learned to adapt to just about any new situation. His dad, an orthopedic surgeon in the U.S. Army, has been stationed in New York, Texas, Colorado and, since the start of Brendan’s freshman year, in Washington state.

Brendan wasted no time establishing himself as a leader at Gig Harbor. He’s a National Honor Society member, an Eagle Scout and was awarded the Order of the Arrow in the BSA Honor Society.

In addition to his academic achievements, Brendan has lettered in baseball and football and been part of the schools Ski and Snowboard Club.

Brendan Masini Jr.

He’s ASB Co-president, captain of the varsity baseball team (as a pitcher, he throws a mean fastball) and played linebacker for the Tides football team.

Playing sports has been his favorite high school activity, he said. He has an impressive collection of varsity letters to show for it.

Advocating for military children

Brendan’s proudest accomplishments include being elected class president, and speaking to state legislators on behalf of military students in support of legislation known as the Purple Star Bill. The bill would award a Purple Star to school districts that demonstrate educational and social-emotional supports for students of military service members as they face transition to a new school.

“The bill could help us military kids adjust to a new school,” Brendan said. “It would make sure that our credits transfer from one state to another, and even waive some class requirements.”

The bill will be signed into law May 15.

Brendan is an ideal spokesperson for the Purple Star Bill. “Moving here from Colorado as a freshman was a challenge for me,” he said. “It would be idea if school districts would recognize the challenges that military kids face and have systems that can ease the transitions.”

West Point next

GHHS English teacher Karen Kennedy calls Brendan “an extraordinary young man. He embraces learning, challenges himself and grows as a result. He has exhibited outstanding leadership and maintained a clear sense of purpose.

“Brendan has the vision, inquisitive mind, intellectual acumen and determined fortitude necessary to change lives.”

His advice to younger students for success in high school: “Take advantage of all the opportunities you can, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Join clubs. A lot will be gained if you put yourself out there and give it a try.”

This fall, he’s headed to the West Point.  He hasn’t decided on a specific course of study, but, “wants to continue to develop as a leader and contribute to my community. I’m pretty open as far as career plans go,” he said. “Maybe law, or economics or pre-med. But it would also be cool to fly helicopters someday.”

Brendan Masini Jr.

Parents: Carrie and Brendan Masini

GPA: 3.992

Class Standing: 13

Achievements / Activities: Eagle Scout; Order of the Arrow BSA National Honor Society; ASB Co-President; Varsity baseball team captain; Washington Association of School Administrators Region 11 Student Leadership Award; Certificate of Excellence for Exemplary Performance in Systems Engineering at the West Point Summer Leaders Experience; National Honor Society; ASB Senator; GHHS baseball, GHHS football. “Voice of the Tides,” PSD student intern that announces the line-ups and games for the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams; tutor – Tides Tutoring; Ski and Snowboard Club

Favorite teacher: “My AP Language and Composition teacher Mrs. Kenya Houston was very impactful on my education. I learned a lot in her class and she really helped me to become a better writer. She also always encouraged me to ‘keep being you, no matter what.’”

Best thing about GHHS: “Our school spirit. We always pack the stands for school sports and have high attendance for school activities. Go Tides!”