HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (May 20, 2026) – Henderson County Public Schools proudly recognized 67 of its highest-achieving seniors during the annual Top Scholars Banquet, held Thursday, May 14, at Blue Ridge Community College and sponsored by AdventHealth. Now in its 22nd year, the Top Scholars celebration honors the academic accomplishments, leadership, and well-rounded contributions of students who graduate at the top of their class.
“Success is measured in many ways, and these 67 students represent far more than strong academic achievement,” said Superintendent Mark R. Garrett. “Through their involvement in their schools and communities, they have demonstrated character, resilience, and a genuine commitment to making a difference. We are proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see the positive impact they will continue to make beyond graduation.”
Together, the Class of 2026 Top Scholars earned more than $1 million in scholarships and grants, carried an average GPA of 4.48, and scored an average 28.7 on the ACT. Beyond their academic success, these students volunteered with over 85 community organizations across Western North Carolina and beyond—demonstrating a commitment to service alongside their studies.
Among the Top Scholars are student-athletes, musicians, artists, club leaders, volunteers, student government officers, and performers. Many have balanced rigorous coursework with commitments to school sports teams, marching bands, theatre productions, robotics competitions, clubs, and other extracurricular activities—demonstrating dedication, time management, and a passion for growth beyond the classroom.
Of the 67 scholars, 50 plan to continue their education at colleges and universities within the state.
The 2026 Top Scholars from each school are:
East Henderson High:
Natalie Almanzar
Sarah Grace Alverson
Donovan James Buddo
Blake Glenn Burroughs
Davis Lawrence Harvey
Tyler Lee Hill
Steven Neil Holsinger
Elizabeth Faith Isley
Cora Leigh Marshall
Ryah Jade McDonald
Tristan Michael Rutterford
Tristen Steven Sumner
Julia Grace Trollinger
Gracce Alexandra Viveros Navarro
Mica Ash Wallace
Henderson County Career Academy:
Leo Elizabeth Gironda
Rodney Clayton Hays
Kassie Elizabeth Lookadoo
Henderson County Early College:
Aija Mara Durham
Annie Katharine Thompson
Katherine Jannet Ventura
Hendersonville High:
Ellery Grey Cheek
Kurt Sebastian DiMeglio
Sean Richard Edwards
Campbell Parke Hodge
Jamison Alexandra Kiefer
Lucy Griffin Kilpatrick
Anna Rosemary McFarling
Evelyn Rose Middlebrook
Charlie Milton Montz
Yahir Moreno Guevara
Averie Nicole Russell
Elizabeth Anne Shaffer
Yuki Sun
Natalie Elizabeth Weymouth
Elijah Rae Williamson
North Henderson High:
Fiona Aylin Adkins
Dallas Oneal Blackwell
Morgan Rose Flynn
Austin Michael Green
Casey William Hyder
Eli Rome Laughter
Olivia Isabelle Lee-Simmons
Sarah Denerre Love
Sharlotte Grace Lyda
Amber Rose Matlak
Katie Rose Ruminski
Cayden James Rybicki
Shelby Lynn Simpson
Jamey Laine Snipes
Brody Kenneth Stone
Claire Elise Weaver
West Henderson High:
Alexander Jay Adams
Ashlyn Grace All
Alexander “Teague” Atwell
Brent Warren Bennett
Kenly Shae Brand
Matthew Grant Detwiler
Caroline Nicole Frampton
Sean Brady Merrill
Sydney Elizabeth Moore
Malia Rynea Morgan
Alexander Timothy Norton
Cole Alexander Reasoner
Laurelai Campbell Taylor
Elijah Sheldon Toler
Annalise Brooke Youmans
