On Tuesday, May 12th, Euclid High School held its annual Senior Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding members of the Class of 2026 for their academic achievements, scholarships, leadership and departmental excellence.
In a change from previous years, the ceremony took on a more formal atmosphere as the event moved from a morning breakfast in Daugherty Gymnasium to an evening celebration in the Euclid High School Auditorium. The elegant setting helped make the evening a dignified experience for students, families, staff members and community supporters who gather to celebrate Euclid’s Seniors.
Dinner for the evening was prepared by Chef Dan and students from the school’s Culinary Arts CTE Program, adding another layer of student involvement to the celebration. The spread featured fresh fruit, sandwiches, pizza, canapes, chicken skewers, and plenty of desserts.
As the presentation portion of the evening began the Auditorium was full of excited students, proud family members and fulfilled teachers and principals, all of whom helped the students make the stage that evening.
Mr. Corey Russell, Principal of Euclid High School, opened the evening with words of encouragement and reflection for the graduating class.
“These recognitions represent more than grades, they represent perseverance, discipline, resilience, sacrifice, and commitment,” Russell said. “They represent students who chose to push themselves even when things became difficult.”
Russell also connected the evening to the school’s Culture Playbook, which focuses on developing a strength of self, strength of relationships and strength of mind.
“The strength of self is represented by the discipline, accountability and character our students have demonstrated through their academic journeys,” Russell said. “Their strength of relationships is reflected in the support systems surrounding them tonight – our families, our teachers, our administrators, counselors, coaches, mentors, friends, donors and community members who poured into these students and helped them believe in themselves. And the strength of mind is seen in our students’ ability to persevere, solve problems, overcome adversity, and continue striving for excellence even when challenges stood in front of them.”
Following Russell’s remarks, Counselor Sara Mattinson and Class of 2029 Principal Rick Gurski recognized 21 Distinguished Scholar underclassmen who have maintained a cumulative high school GPA of 4.0 or higher thus far.
Ayawa Agboga E, 2027 | Steven Hoang, 2028 | Amia Marie Powell, 2029 |
|---|---|---|
Ayawa Agboba S, 2027 | William-James Hobson, 2027 | Allante Simmons, 2029 |
Paris Bowman, 2029 | Javi Jackson, 2029 | Darionna Speaks, 2029 |
Jaedyn Butler, 2028 | Leona Johnson, 2027 | Navaeh Taylor, 2027 |
Isabella Crayton, 2029 | Ja'Nai Jones, 2029 | Camryn Thomas, 2027 |
Kiera Estes, 2027 | Robert Lowe, 2027 | Mya Towns, 2027 |
Alanah Harris, 2027 | Kristyona Paul, 2029 | Vanessa Washington, 2027 |
Class of 2026 Principal Tamara Clemmons then recognized the Honors Scholars and Distinguished Scholars from the Senior Class before Department Chairs from across the building presented Department Awards to students who excelled in their academic areas.
Seniors that will be graduating with an Honors diploma also had their graduation medals bestowed upon them. Ten Seniors will be graduating as Distinguished Scholars, earning a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or above.
Madison Bartell
Lydia Funk
Jackson Greenway
Malik Hogan
Dynasty Jones
Ben Obiechina
Anthony Perkins
Delilah Simmons
Ava Somich
Max Swerbinsky
27 Seniors will be graduating as Honors Scholars, earning a cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.99.
Jamiya Atkins | Amari Henderson | Rick Patton |
|---|---|---|
Demiyah Beverly | Jaedyn Heyward | Kiara Perry |
Leonidas Boulware | Elijah House | Dana'E Speaks |
Declin Burr | Sha'Nijah Irons | Mikhail Stitt |
Jayon Chesney | Alexandria Langford | Aniyah Torain |
Samantha Dandridge | Na-Shawn Lawson | Micah Towns |
Ariel Dukes | Avery Lemon | Chloe Wade |
Jonathon Guilamo | Adriana McKenzie Upshaw | Donavan Washington-Sigala |
Leshawn Hamilton | Twila Miller | Chariyon Zeigler |
Department Awards
Art | Feunia Caldwell |
|---|---|
Career Tech | Javin Jackson |
English | Jayon Chesney |
Music | Jeremiah Schaffer |
Math | Miles Fowler |
PE/Health | Delilah Simmons |
Science | Lydia Funk |
Social Studies | Max Swerbinsky |
Modified Resources | Constance Jones |
World Language | Ben Obiechina |
Technology | Aaron Stephens |
After the Department Awards, Class of 2026 Counselor Ebony Wright and Mattinson announced all of the Scholarship Winners. In total, 92 scholarships were awarded to 55 students, with over $100,000 worth of scholarships given out. A total of 72 Seniors received awards or scholarships throughout the evening.
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Superintendent Karen Brown closed the ceremony by thanking donors, alumni, staff members and community partners who continue investing in Euclid Students and their futures.
“What we’ve witnessed tonight is something really special,” Brown said. “It’s not just the recognition of achievement, but a powerful reminder of what it means to be a part of this community.”
Brown encouraged students to remember the support they received throughout their educational journeys and challenged them to one day give back to future generations of Panthers.
“Tonight, we celebrate you, but we also challenge you to carry this forward,” Brown said. “To lift someone else up, to invest in the next generation, to continue the story that you are now a part of.”
Special thanks were extended to the Euclid Schools Foundation and the many donors and organizations who made the scholarships possible.
We are so excited to see the Class of 2026 move onto the next chapter of their lives, and look forward to seeing them back on campus as alumni guiding the next generation to achievement.