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Valedictorians and Salutatorians of the Class of 2026

A picture of Ashbrook senior Jesmarie Gonzalez

Ashbrook High School
Jesmarie Gonzalez, Valedictorian

A picture of Ashbrook senior Brian Montes-Gonzalez

Ashbrook High School
Brian Montes-Gonzalez, Salutatorian

A young woman with blonde hair and a pearl necklace smiles gently in the foreground, set against a mottled gray and black background.

Bessemer City High School
Gabriella Pursley, Valedictorian

A young woman with long, dark, wavy hair and a black off-the-shoulder top smiles gently against a mottled gray background.

Bessemer City High School
Daiana Salinas Laguna, Salutatorian

A smiling young woman with long, auburn hair and a pearl necklace is posed against a dark, cloudy backdrop.

Cherryville High School
Bailey Owens, Valedictorian

A young woman with long, curly brown hair and a black dress smiles at the camera against a mottled gray background.

Cherryville High School
Cameryn Bell, Salutatorian

A young man in a tuxedo smiles against a mottled gray background.

Stuart W. Cramer High School
Aiden VanderMeer, Valedictorian

A young man in a tuxedo smiles against a dark, mottled background.

Stuart W. Cramer High School
Luke Andrews, Salutatorian

A smiling young woman in a black off-the-shoulder dress and pearl necklace poses in front of a mottled gray backdrop.

East Gaston High School
Cooper Payne, Valedictorian

A smiling young woman with blonde hair and a pearl necklace is posed in front of a mottled gray backdrop.

East Gaston High School
Ashlyn Price, Salutatorian

A young man in a tuxedo smiles in the foreground against a blurred gray background.

Forestview High School
Hugh Sproul, Valedictorian

A young man in a tuxedo smiles at the camera with a dark, textured background.

Forestview High School
Shloke Soni, Salutatorian

A young man with long blonde hair and glasses smiles in a tuxedo against a mottled gray background.

Gaston Early College High School
Philip Harrington, Valedictorian

A young woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera in the foreground, set against a mottled gray background.

Gaston Early College High School
Dana Thomas, Salutatorian

A young Black woman with braided hair and a pearl necklace smiles at the camera against a mottled gray background.

Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences
Sariah Alege, Valedictorian

A young woman with long brown hair and a black off-the-shoulder top smiles at the camera against a mottled gray background.

Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences
Hannah Rodden, Salutatorian

A young Black woman with braided hair and glasses smiles gently in the foreground, set against a mottled gray background.

Gaston Virtual Academy
Rachelle Sainvil, Valedictorian

A young man in a tuxedo and bow tie smiles at the camera against a mottled gray background.

Gaston Virtual Academy
Michael Inman, Salutatorian

A young woman with long, dark hair and a pearl necklace smiles at the camera against a mottled gray background.

Highland School of Technology
Zalek Mehta, Valedictorian

A young woman in a black hijab and necklace smiles against a mottled gray background.

Highland School of Technology
Zuha Shaikh, Salutatorian

A young man in a tuxedo smiles at the camera with a blue, cloudy background.

Hunter Huss High School
James Rosemond, Valedictorian

A smiling woman with dark skin and braided hair wears a black off-the-shoulder top and a gold necklace, set against a blue, cloudy background.

Hunter Huss High School
Kennedy Davis, Salutatorian

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair and a bright smile is pictured against a mottled gray background.

North Gaston High School
Mackenzie Strader, Valedictorian

A young man with glasses and curly hair in a tuxedo stands against a mottled gray background.

North Gaston High School
Jonathan Syboutlan, Salutatorian

A young man in a tuxedo smiles in front of a mottled gray background.

South Point High School
Caleb Dellinger, Valedictorian

A smiling young man in a tuxedo is set against a dark, mottled background.

South Point High School
Spencer Baker, Salutatorian

A picture of Madison Watson, Highland School of Technology

Highland School of Technology
Madison Watson, 13 Years Perfect Attendance

Bessemer City High School valedictorian shares inspiring remarks with the Class of 2026 during graduation ceremonies.

Bessemer City High School valedictorian Gabriella Pursley shares inspiring remarks with the Class of 2026 during graduation ceremonies.

Seniors earn top academic, perfect attendance distinctions

Gaston County Schools has 26 students in the Class of 2026 who have achieved the top academic distinction of valedictorian or salutatorian.  Additionally, one senior in the Class of 2026 has earned the distinction of 13 years of perfect attendance.  

▪ Valedictorian and Salutatorian Information
The senior with the highest weighted grade point average (GPA) is selected valedictorian, and the senior with the second-highest weighted GPA is chosen salutatorian.

Superintendent of Schools Morgen A. Houchard stated: “We are proud to recognize the outstanding seniors in the Class of 2026 who have earned valedictorian and salutatorian honors.  The students have maintained an impressive academic record during their high school career, and they have been excellent leaders at school and in the community.  We are confident that our high-achieving valedictorians and salutatorians will continue to be successful in everything they choose to do.”

Listed below are the valedictorians and salutatorians for Gaston County Schools and biography information for each student. 

Ashbrook High School

Valedictorian:  Jesmarie Gonzalez

  • College Plans:  Enlist in the U.S. Army and attend UNC-Chapel Hill to major in neuroscience. 
  • Accolades:  Student body president; co-president of FBLA; founder of the Glam Club; National Honor Society; National Technical Honor Society; Chick-fil-a Leader Academy; Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council; Who’s Who Among High School Students; Associate of Arts degree and CNA certification from Gaston College.           

Salutatorian:  Bryan Montes-Gonzalez  

  • College Plans:  N.C. State University to major in mechanical engineering.
  • Accolades:  Member of iAccelerate Academy; soccer team for four years; National Honor Society; National Technical Honor Society; Associate of Arts degree from Gaston College.

Bessemer City High School

Valedictorian:  Gabriella Pursley

  • College Plans:  Pfeiffer University (Biology Honors Program); plans to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon.  
  • Accolades:  Beta Club; National Honor Society; National Technical Honor Society; student leadership team; female student-athlete associate representative; associate degree in art; chosen to serve as a tutor for science and math courses at Pfeiffer University.      

Salutatorian:  Daiana Salinas Laguna

  • College Plans:  Gaston College and transfer to UNC-Chapel Hill after two years; plans to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse.
  • Accolades:  Beta Club; National Honor Society; student leadership team; drum major for the marching band; obtained a contract to work for CaroMont Health for one year to help pay for college.

Cherryville High School

Valedictorian:  Bailey June Owens   

  • College Plans:  UNC-Chapel Hill to major in biochemistry; plans to pursue a career as a physician assistant or doctor.     
  • Accolades:  National Honor Society; National Technical Honor Society; scholar-athlete distinction; Associate of Science degree from Gaston College; all-state cheerleader; Cherryville High School Academic Booster Club Scholarship; Van and Virgie Costner Memorial Scholarship. 

Salutatorian:  Cameryn Elizabeth Bell         

  • College Plans:  UNC-Chapel Hill to major in nursing; plans to pursue a career as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner.
  • Accolades:  National Honor Society; National Technical Honor Society; scholar-athlete distinction; Associate of Science degree from Gaston College; four-time MVP in cross country; Cherryville High School Star Student for Gaston County Schools. 

Stuart W. Cramer High School

Valedictorian:  Aiden VanderMeer         

  • College Plans:  University of South Carolina (Honors College) to major in biomedical engineering; plans to attend medical school and become a doctor.     
  • Accolades:  National Honor Society; National Technical Honor Society; National English Society; scholar-athlete for soccer and wrestling; attended N.C. Governor’s School for natural science.

Salutatorian:  Luke Andrews         

  • College Plans:  UNC-Charlotte to major in mechanical engineering; plans to pursue a career as an engineer for Duke Energy to help develop sustainable technologies and revolutionize a modern industry.
  • Accolades:  State Employees Credit Union (SECU) People Helping People Scholarship; Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Honor award; junior marshal; UNC-Charlotte Damaso Lopez Scholarship in Engineering; Commissioners’ School of Excellence; created an online business for selling customized collectibles.    

East Gaston High School

Valedictorian:  Cooper Errindel Payne  

  • College Plans:  N.C. State University to major in biological sciences (human biology intent – pre-medicine track); plans to pursue a career as a dermatologic surgeon.
  • Accolades:  Student-Athlete Advisory Council – president; 2026 Scholar Athlete of the Year; Associate of Science degree from Gaston College with highest honors; Project Unify and Holy Angels volunteer and service leader; co-captain of varsity volleyball team and three-time Defensive Player of the Year and all-region honoree. 

Salutatorian:  Ashlyn Brooke Price     

  • College Plans:  UNC-Chapel Hill to major in biology – pre-dental track and serve as a member of the UNC Carolina Girls dance team; plans to pursue a career as an orthodontist.
  • Accolades:  Miss East Gaston 2026; Associate of Science degree from Gaston College with highest honors; semifinalist for the UNC Morehead-Cain Scholarship; Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, captain of the East Gaston dance team.  

Forestview High School

Valedictorian:  Hugh Sproul 

  • College Plans:  UNC-Chapel Hill to major in economics and history and minor in business; plans to pursue a career as an investment banker or practice banking law.
  • Accolades:  Eagle Scout completing an Eagle Scout project on dyslexia advocacy; Congressional Award Silver Medal, USA Powerlifting – North Carolina state records for bench press; Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Youth Leadership Medal; candidate for Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma; Gordon A. Rich Memorial Foundation Merit Scholarship; Do It For W Foundation Scholarship; Gaston Community Foundation Honorable Ralph C. Gingles, Jr. Scholarship; N.C. Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Cordon Street Endowment Scholarship. 

Salutatorian:  Shloke Soni     

  • College Plans:  University of South Carolina (Honors College) to major in exercise science in the Arnold School of Public Health in the pre-medicine track; plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as an anesthesiologist. 
  • Accolades: N.C. School of Science and Mathematics Summer Ventures at East Carolina University (conducted neuroscience research); N.C. Governor’s School (studying mathematics with advanced research); UNC Nutrition Research Institute intern; CaroMont Health volunteer; University of South Carolina Elite Award Scholarship; CaroMont Health Scholarship; Jungle Club president and student section leader for school spirit and community involvement.

Gaston Early College High School

Valedictorian:  Philip Daniel Harrington 

  • College Plans:  N.C. State University to major in chemical engineering; plans to enter the workforce after college or pursue a master’s degree.
  • Accolades:  Gaston College Associate of Engineering degree; Gaston College President’s Award for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average; president of Gaston College’s Math Club; Ingles Markets Scholarship. 

Salutatorian:  Dana Marie Thomas 

  • College Plans:  UNC-Charlotte to major in geology; plans to pursue a career as a professional geologist. 
  • Accolades:  Gaston College Associate of Science degree; Gaston College President’s Award for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average; Everette N. Warren Educational Scholarship. 

Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences

Valedictorian:  Sariah Alege 

  • College Plans:  UNC-Charlotte to major in biology; plans to pursue a master’s degree and a doctoral degree from the UNC-Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy and work as an oncology pharmacist.
  • Accolades:  Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees from Gaston College; National Honor Society; United Way Youth Council; Gertrude Clinton Health Career Scholarship from the CaroMont Health Foundation; UNC-Charlotte Honors College Scholarship.  

Salutatorian:  Hannah Rodden 

  • College Plans:  UNC-Charlotte to major in nursing; plans to pursue a career as a nurse in labor and delivery, pediatrics, or the intensive care unit.
  • Accolades:  Associate of General Education – Nursing degree from Gaston College; Gaston College Outstanding Graduate Award; Commissioners’ School of Excellence; National Honor Society; volunteer with eight community organizations; Gertrude Clinton Health Career Scholarship from the CaroMont Health Foundation; State Employees Credit Union (SECU) People Helping People Scholarship.

Gaston Virtual Academy

Valedictorian:  Rachelle Nerlande Sainvil 

  • College Plans:  Gaston College to major in nursing; after obtaining an associate degree, she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing and become a registered nurse.

Salutatorian:  Michael Scott Inman     

  • College Plans:  Gaston College to obtain a certificate in welding and transfer to York Technical College to obtain a certificate in plumbing; plans to pursue a career as a licensed plumber.

Highland School of Technology

Valedictorian:  Zalak Mehta 

  • College Plans:  UNC-Chapel Hill to major in neuroscience; plans to pursue a career in pediatric oncology or neonatology.
  • Accolades:  Associate of Arts degree from Gaston College; junior marshal honors for Highland and the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics; Gaston College President’s List; Albert G. Myers Scholarship; Walker Hayes Scholarship; Highland Pathway Scholarship; Highland’s Star Student for Gaston County Schools; Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Distinction Award.

Salutatorian:  Zuha Shaikh 

  • College Plans:  UNC-Chapel Hill to major in neuroscience and psychology; plans to pursue a career in anesthesiology or surgery.
  • Accolades:  Associate of Arts degree from Gaston College; Gaston College President’s List; junior marshal; Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Award; UNC-Charlotte Honors Program Scholarship; CaroMont Health Auxiliary Gertrude Clinton Health Career Scholarship; Highland Pathway Scholarship; co-president of HOSA; senior class vice president for student council; co-vice president for Beta Club.  

Hunter Huss High School

Valedictorian:  James Rosemond      

  • College Plans:  N.C. State University (Honors College) to major in political science.
  • Accolades:  Student body president; Hunter Huss High School Star Student for Gaston County Schools; junior marshal; Gastonia Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council; lifeguard for four years.

Salutatorian:  Kennedy Davis  

  • College Plans:  Western Carolina University to major in interior design.
  • Accolades:  Business pathway certificate from Gaston College; junior marshal; 2024 Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. Zeta Mu Omega Chapter Crystal Debutante Winner; recipient of multiple college scholarships.          

North Gaston High School

Valedictorian:  Makenzie Liana Strader     

  • College Plans:  UNC-Wilmington to major in marine biology or special education; plans to pursue a career as a marine biologist or special education teacher.  
  • Accolades:  Associate in Science degree from Gaston College; Project Unify; Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council; Beta Club; National Honor Society. 

Salutatorian:  Jonathan B. Syboutlan     

  • College Plans:  UNC-Chapel Hill to major in computer science; plans to pursue a career as a computer science engineer. 
  • Accolades:  Beta Club; chorus chamber choir - president; student council treasurer; National Honor Society; all-county chorus for four years.

South Point High School

Valedictorian:  Caleb Dellinger     

  • College Plans:  N.C. State University to major in engineering; plans to pursue a career in engineering or design.     
  • Accolades:  National Honor Society, William Jackson Goodrum Scholarship.

Salutatorian:  Spencer Baker  

  • College Plans:  N.C. State University (Honors College) to major in finance and mathematics; plans to pursue a career as a quantitative trader.
  • Accolades:  Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Honors Award; Lester Carpenter Scholarship.

▪ Perfect Attendance Information
Each year, the Gaston County Board of Education honors graduating seniors who achieve perfect attendance for either 12 years or 13 years.  One senior in the Gaston County Schools Class of 2026 earned 13 years of perfect attendance.

Madison Watson of Highland School of Technology achieved 13 years of perfect attendance.  She plans to attend the University of Alabama and major in news media.  Her career goal is to work as a journalist/broadcaster.  During the Highland graduation ceremony, Watson received a perfect attendance plaque from the Board of Education in recognition of her outstanding accomplishment.