As one of the premier distance runners in Massachusetts, Swamspcott senior Peter Hale has spend a lot of time in front of the camera.

But as a member of his school's Cable Club, he spends plenty of time behind the camera, too.

A keen interest in film and television production is just one of the things that drives Hale, a dual citizen of the United States and Britain who possesses a thorough curiosity of world events, politics and relating them to history.

"He has an inquisitive, inquiring mind and a healthy skepticism," Swampscott guidance counselor Emily Barnum wrote. "He has a true idealism and hope and internal drive."

Over the past four years, Hale has emerged as one of the top distance runners not only on the North Shore, but in the entire state. He has won two Eastern Mass. Division 3 indoor 2-mile titles, and captured the Emerging Elite class at New Balance Indoor Nationals with a personal best time of 9:18 in March.

The Northeastern Conference cross country champion this past fall also won the EMass Division 5 title and has won three NEC 2-mile crowns.

"Peter uses his visibility as an opportunity to positively represent every aspect of his life," said Swampscott cross country coach Jeff Bartlett. "He's a thoughtful, deep thinker who is also analytical."

Hale has challenged himself with three Advanced Placement courses (English, US History and Psychology) and attended a maritas seminar on democracy in Oxford, England two summers ago. He ranks 58th in Swampscott's senior class.

A 6-time Salem News all-star and captain, Hale also takes great pride in helping his teammates achieve personal best times.

"There are a lot of elite runners that are always in a bubble, in their own world. Peter is not one of those runners," Bartlett said.