Principal Pat Metta has announced the Top 10 students in the Class of 2026, sharing that each student has worked diligently to earn the distinction through academic excellence, determination, and a strong commitment to their future. She added that the students have continued to challenge themselves and pursue their goals with purpose, setting a positive example for the school community.
Valedictorian of the Class of 2026 is Shaylee Guire. Shaylee is an exceptional student who is highly motivated to succeed. Throughout her high school career, she has consistently demonstrated leadership, dedication, and academic excellence.
Shaylee was inducted into the National Honor Society as a sophomore and now serves as its president. She has also been an active member of the student council for the past two years and has served as a class officer, including Class President.
In addition to her academic success, Shaylee has been involved in extracurricular activities. She has played volleyball for four years and has been involved in dance for most of her life. She has balanced these commitments while continuing to maintain an outstanding academic record.
Shaylee plans to pursue a career as an occupational therapist, studying at Husson University.
Salutatorian for the Class of 2026 is Karleigh Smith. Karleigh has been actively involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. Her clubs and organizations include National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. She has earned numerous awards and honors, both academically and athletically.
Athletically, she has been a dedicated participant throughout high school. She earned her 1000 points in basketball as a junior and was recognized as a senior for being the highest female basketball scorer in the school’s history. She has been a member of the school’s basketball, soccer, softball, and cross country teams.
Alongside her academic and athletic commitments, she has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic by balancing two jobs as a server at St. Croix Tap & Table and at GameTime Sports Bar & Grill, where she has developed strong communication skills, professionalism, and valuable work experience.
She has also given back to her community by volunteering with Dribbling Dragons, Trunk or Treat, and cross country meets.
After high school, Karleigh plans to attend Husson University and major in nursing, with a career goal of becoming a pediatric nurse. When asked to identify her strongest personal asset, she shared that it is her work ethic, a quality clearly reflected in her achievements, service, and determination.
First Honor Essayist is Kaylin Hamilton. Kaylin is a determined and hardworking young woman whose high school career has been marked by strong academics, athletic success, and service to her school and community. She has been involved in National Honor Society, Jobs for Maine Graduates, Student Council, and yearbook, showing a willingness to contribute in many different ways.
Her true passion is athletics, especially volleyball. Kaylin has served as team captain for three years, highlighting her leadership, dedication, and the trust others place in her. She has also earned Downeast Athletic Conference All-Star honors in both volleyball and softball for two consecutive years.
Outside of school, Kaylin has remained active in her community through the food pantry and Halloween Fun Days. This year, she has also enjoyed working as a teacher's assistant in the high school library.
Kaylin hopes to become a radiology technician and plans to attend Southern Maine Community College.
Second Honor Essayist is Jacob Richard. Jacob is an exceptionally hard worker. When he decides to do something, he gives it 150%. That dedication is evident in both baseball and soccer, where he was named PVC All-Academic and received the Coaches Award. It is also reflected in his achievement of being named a National Technical Honor Society student in his CDL program.
Jacob is always willing to put in the time to help others, whether through his work at church, bush hogging for several businesses, or simply making sure his neighbors are plowed out and taken care of. He has also successfully run his own lawn care business since 2019. Anyone who knows Jacob knows that if you want lawn work done well, he is one of the best.
Jake has a passion for running heavy equipment and recently earned his Class A permit. In the fall, he will be attending Washington County Community College to study heavy equipment operation and maintenance, with the dream of one day owning his own construction business.
Students ranked fifth through tenth in the class will take part in the Class Night addresses on June 5.
Phillip Benner and Connor Croman will present the Class Will. Phillip plans to serve his country by entering the Air Force after graduation. Connor hopes to build a successful future in welding and will attend Washington County Community College.
Presenting the Class Gifts will be Jocelyn Dubay and Mishun Cornelius. Jocelyn will study business at Washington County Community College this fall. Mishun plans to study Technical Engineering at the College of the Menominee Nation in Wisconsin.
Sharing the Prophecy will be Autumn Mann and Elizabeth McArthur. Autumn will study philosophy at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Elizabeth plans to major in health sciences at Husson University.
