The Salem Central School District is proud to announce the Top Ten students of the Class of 2026. The Top Ten consists of the students with the highest cumulative grade point averages in the graduating class. The students are listed in order of their academic ranking.
Oliver Hickland is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Math Team, and Mock Trial, and is recognized as a New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Scholar-Athlete.
Oliver participates on the school’s soccer, wrestling, and track teams. He is also a member of the Salem FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team, which received a Silver ranking at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, and he is an Accredited Parliamentarian. In the music department, Oliver participates in Jazz Band and the Salem Festival Chorus.
Upon graduation, Oliver will earn a New York State Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors and Mastery in Mathematics and Science. He plans to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville and major in Aerospace Engineering.
Trudy Keith is the Salutatorian of the Class of 2026. This year, Trudy was selected by the school’s staff and students as the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen, an honor recognizing students who exemplify leadership, service, and integrity.
Trudy is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Mock Trial, and Math Club. She also participates on the Track and Field and Field Hockey teams. Active in the music program, Trudy is a member of the theater club, jazz band, chorus, and school band, and she assisted with backstage work for the sixth-grade play.
As a sophomore, Trudy was selected to represent Salem Central School District at the Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) State Leadership Seminar.
Upon graduation, she will earn a New York State Advanced Regents Diploma. Trudy plans to attend the University at Albany and major in Adolescent English Education.
Kennedy Jackson ranks third in the Class of 2026. Active in athletics, she is a member of the varsity field hockey, basketball, wrestling, and softball teams.
Upon graduation, Kennedy will earn a New York State Advanced Regents Diploma. She plans to major in Veterinary Technology at Vermont State University in Randolph, Vermont.
Jenna McCauliffe ranks fourth in the Class of 2026. She has been a member of the National Honor Society for two years and has participated on the varsity soccer and softball teams for four years.
Upon graduation, Jenna will earn a New York State Advanced Regents Diploma. She plans to attend SUNY Adirondack and major in Nursing.
Gavin Eastman ranks fifth in the Class of 2026. Gavin received a President’s Award for Academic Excellence and is a member of the National Honor Society and Math Team.
Upon graduation, he will earn a New York State Advanced Regents Diploma with Mastery in Mathematics and Science. Gavin plans to pursue a degree in Computer Science.
Nicole Snow ranks sixth in the Class of 2026 and is an Honor Roll student. Nicole has been a member of the Girl Scouts for ten years and will earn a New York State Regents Diploma with a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Endorsement at graduation.
During high school, Nicole completed the BOCES Small Animal Science Program and became Pet CPR Certified and Fear Free Certified. After graduation, Nicole will begin working at a veterinary clinic as a Veterinary Assistant.
Madeline Rea ranks seventh in the Class of 2026. She is a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and is a four-time IEA National Finals Qualifier.
Madeline is a member of the Salem FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team, which received a Silver ranking at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo. She serves as the Washington County Alternate Dairy Princess.
Upon graduation, Madeline will earn a New York State Advanced Regents Diploma with a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Endorsement. She plans to study Dairy Production and Management at SUNY Cobleskill.
Sophia Shaw ranks eighth in the Class of 2026. She serves as Treasurer of the graduating class, previously served as Class Secretary during her junior year, and received a President’s Award for Academic Excellence during her freshman year.
Sophia is a member of the drama club, yearbook club, and Girl Scouts. She has participated on Salem’s soccer, basketball, and softball teams throughout high school. Upon graduation, Sophia will earn a New York State Advanced Regents Diploma. In the fall, she plans to major in Nursing at SUNY Adirondack.
Cooper Saddlemire ranks ninth in the Class of 2026 and is a member of the National Honor Society. Cooper has participated in the football, wrestling, and baseball programs for four years.
Upon graduation, Cooper will earn a New York State Advanced Regents Diploma. He is considering attending Paul Smith’s College after graduation.
Phaeton Havens ranks tenth in the Class of 2026 and is a member of the National Honor Society. Phaeton is also a member of the Weight Lifting Club and participated on the Unified Bowling and Track and Field teams during his junior year.
Upon graduation, Phaeton will earn a New York State Advanced Regents Diploma. He plans to attend Siena University and major in Cybersecurity.
