Hannah Gibson
Hannah is a ballerina. She dances with the Montana Ballet Company (MBC). As a member of the Senior Company, she performs in major productions at least three times per year. Last year, she danced in The Nutcracker, The Little Mermaid, Snow White, Cinderella, and the annual Academy Showcase. Through MBC, she has served as a Teacher’s Assistant, teaching ballet to children aged 4-6. Through a program called Share the Dance and Dinner, she delivers groceries to senior citizens in nursing homes and performs excerpts from MBC’s various ballets. She also participates in Discover Dance, a program where hundreds of second graders attend shortened performances of The Nutcracker and learn about productions.
Hannah is a musician and has played the bow since age six. She enjoys studying classical, baroque, and romantic repertoire. She worked through vibrato and shift positions and performs memorized concertos for audiences twice a year. Hannah was accepted into the Montana All-State Orchestra her freshman and sophomore years. She is currently the second chair viola in the Philharmonic Orchestra. Next spring, the orchestra is touring Europe.
Being a “German geek” is a label Hannah embraces. She serves as the treasurer of the German Club and has been part of German classes for the past seven years. She is dual enrolled at Gallatin College through Montana State University and is earning credit for German 101 and German 102. Hannah will graduate with nine Advanced Placement classes and two Honors classes. Her favorite class last year was Photography. This year, her favorite class is AP Psychology. Hannah states, “I find the brain fascinating and enjoy learning about humans and how we think and process emotions and situations.”
Hannah is part of the Key Club, Prom Committee, and National Honor Society. She also volunteered at the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. This Fall she interned with the Gallatin County Democrats. Every Sunday, she leads and trains new volunteers. She teaches them how to canvas and phone bank, helping them to be persuasive, but not aggressive.
Hannah’s friends describe her as loyal, funny, and selfless.They call her “the therapist” in the friend group. Hannah takes pride in helping people through tough situations. She believes deep conversations lead to more meaningful relationships. On the other hand, she also laughs a lot. Hannah says, “I am very proud of the person I have become. For the past three years, I have balanced the demands of ballet with the needs of school. Over the past few years, my friend group has changed significantly. This year, I have found a group that supports my endeavors and helps me find my path. I am also proud of what I have achieved, both academically and non-academically. I have had to face significant challenges in high school. However, I will emerge strong and capable of overcoming anything. My six-year-old self would be amazed by what I have accomplished and what I hope to accomplish.”
After high school, Hannah plans to attend a four-year university or college. She wants to major in psychology and study political science, German and dance.
