High School Class of 2026 Top Scholars Recognized
Harlan Christian School:
Harlan Christian School Class of 2026 recognizes Valedictorian Dylan Cobbs, who graduated with a 10.5 GPA. Dylan is the son of Matt and Glaine Cobbs and plans to run his own business after graduation. He said business has been a passion of his since he was in eighth grade.
Throughout high school, Dylan participated in basketball, volleyball, soccer, and tutoring activities. His accomplishments and recognitions include receiving numerous athletic awards such as Heart and Hustle honors, captain’s medals, Most Improved awards, and academic awards for achieving the highest overall grades in his respective sports. Dylan will also be recognized as this year’s Valedictorian.
Outside of school, Dylan enjoys playing basketball, chess, and games such as Warhammer 40K, along with reading books.
His most memorable high school experience was winning the senior basketball tournament, which was the final tournament of his high school career and resulted in making the newspaper.
Heritage High School:
Heritage High School Class of 2026 recognizes Valedictorian Corban Roth, who graduated with a 4.338 GPA. Corban is the son of Josh and Bonnie Roth and plans to attend Trine University to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Corban said he chose the field because he enjoys solving problems and doing math.
Throughout high school, Corban participated in Cross Country, Track, Basketball, Volleyball, Student Council, National Honor Society, and Football. His accomplishments and recognitions include earning Academic All-State honors, First Team All-Conference recognition, College Board National Recognition, the First-Generation Recognition Award, and the Rural and Small Town Recognition Award.
Outside of school, Corban enjoys sports, attending church activities, and bike riding.
Heritage High School Class of 2026 recognizes Salutatorian Lucas Weber, who graduated with a 4.3 GPA. Lucas is the son of Joy and Brian Weber and plans to attend either Purdue University or Bowling Green State University to pursue studies related to Anesthesiology, Neuroscience, and Biomedical Health Services.
Throughout high school, Lucas participated in Football, Track, Volleyball, and volunteered at the Food Bank. His accomplishments and recognitions include earning Presidential Scholarships to both Purdue University and Bowling Green State University, along with College Board Recognition honors.
Outside of school, Lucas enjoys sports.
Leo High School:
Leo High School Class of 2026 recognizes Valedictorian Kendall Melchi, who graduated with a 4.426 GPA. Kendall is the daughter of Jennifer Melchi and Scott Melchi and plans to attend Purdue University to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. Kendall said biomedical engineering combines the two career interests she has always debated between, and discovering the field provided the perfect balance while opening opportunities for many future career paths.
Throughout high school, Kendall participated in Tennis, Students Sharing Hearts, Student Council, 4-H Dog Club, Academic Spell Bowl, Academic Super Bowl, Math and Science, National Honor Society, Prom Committee, and Canstruction. Her accomplishments and honors include the Purdue University Trustee Scholarship, Scholastic Gold Key for Writing, Rising Star of Indiana recognition, the AP Scholar Award, School Recognition Award, Principal’s Honor Roll, and a first-place Robotics Award at the Purdue Seminar for Top Engineering Prospects.
Outside of school, Kendall enjoys crafting, drawing, listening to music and audiobooks, watching sports, and writing.
Leo High School Class of 2026 recognizes Salutatorian Leah Shappell, who graduated with a 4.406 GPA. Leah is the daughter of Ben and Carrie Shappell and plans to attend Ferris State University to pursue a degree in Nursing. Leah said she has always had a passion for helping people and hopes to continue doing so through her future career path in nursing.
Throughout high school, Leah participated in Basketball, Softball, Volleyball, Students Sharing Hearts, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and served as Yearbook Editor. Her accomplishments and honors include receiving academic and athletic scholarships from Ferris State University, earning Principal’s Honor Roll recognition, being named a Rising Star of Indiana recipient, earning Academic All-State honors in volleyball, basketball, and softball, and receiving the Beyond the Game Leadership Award.
Outside of school, Leah enjoys lifting, running, painting, dancing, and watching sports.
New Haven High School:
New Haven High School Class of 2026 recognizes Valedictorian Elia Doust, who graduated with a 4.324 GPA. Elia is the daughter of Justin and Julie Doust and plans to attend University of South Florida to pursue a degree in Integrated Public Relations and Advertising. Elia said she chose the field because she hopes to use her degree to represent people and firms in a favorable light.
Throughout high school, Elia participated as Football Manager, played Tennis, and served on Student Council. Her accomplishments and recognitions include membership in National Honor Society, receiving the Tennis Sportsmanship Award, earning the USF Green and Gold Scholars Waiver Award, and earning a four-time varsity letter for managing football.
Outside of school, Elia enjoys attending concerts and sporting events, along with reading and traveling.
New Haven High School Class of 2026 recognizes Salutatorian Brenna Stafford, who graduated with a 4.322 GPA. Brenna is the daughter of Brent and Amy Stafford and plans to attend Trine University to pursue a degree in Actuarial Science. Brenna said she has always enjoyed math and problem-solving, making the field a natural fit for her skills and interests.
Throughout high school, Brenna participated in theater, golf, and served as the boys golf manager. Her accomplishments and recognitions include being named a Rising Star of Indiana recipient, earning recognition through the National Indigenous Recognition Program and College Board National Recognition program, receiving Academic Honors and the Bulldog Pride Award, and earning the Dean’s Actuarial Scholarship.
Outside of school, Brenna enjoys thrifting, spending time with family, and hanging out with friends.
Woodlan High School:
Woodlan High School Class of 2026 recognizes Valedictorian Mariah Thullner, who graduated with a 4.354 GPA. Mariah is the daughter of Vicki Campbell and Otto Thullner and plans to attend Wheaton College to study Archaeology and History. Mariah said she chose the field because history is the only subject that never feels like a chore to her, and she takes complete delight in continuing to learn more about it.
Throughout high school, Mariah participated in Basketball, volunteered in childcare at church, served on the Youth Worship Team, worked as Soccer Manager, and was a member of National Honor Society. Her accomplishments and honors include earning AP Scholar with Distinction recognition, being named an Indiana Rising Star nominee, and receiving the College Board First Generation National Recognition Award.
Outside of school, Mariah enjoys playing guitar, being involved in church activities, working with children, and staying physically active.
Woodlan High School Class of 2026 recognizes Salutatorian Alexzandra Beason, who graduated with a 4.325 GPA. Alexzandra is the niece of Renell Miller and plans to attend Indiana University to study Biochemistry. She said she chose the field because she finds biochemistry interesting and believes it is important for her future goals.
Throughout high school, Alexzandra participated in Service Club, National Honor Society, and internships at Parkview Health and a nursing home. Her accomplishments and honors include being named a Rising Star of Indiana recipient, earning the Lilly Endowment Scholarship, Rural Small Town Award, Academic Honors recognition, AP Scholar Award, and the DAR Good Citizen Award.
Outside of school, Alexzandra enjoys traveling, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends.
East Allen University:
East Allen University Class of 2026 recognizes Valedictorian Jadon Miesle, who graduated with a 4.43 GPA. Jadon is the son of Peter and Amber Miesle and plans to pursue a degree in Physics while remaining undecided on which university he will attend. Jadon said he chose physics because it has a heavy focus on math, a subject he both enjoys and feels naturally skilled in.
Throughout high school, Jadon participated in National Honor Society, Student Council, and Math Club. His accomplishments and recognitions include being named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and earning Rising Stars of Indiana recognition.
Outside of school, Jadon enjoys playing video games, tinkering with computers, and programming.
East Allen University Class of 2026 recognizes Salutatorian Jiles Mahony, who graduated with a 4.37 GPA. Jiles is the son of Kami Mahony and Orion Mahony and plans to attend Purdue University to pursue a degree in Engineering. Jiles said he chose the field because of his passion for creating and innovating.
Throughout high school, Jiles participated in the competitive robotics team, National Honor Society, Student Council, a Parkview Health technology internship, SAT math tutoring, and an industrial engineering internship. His accomplishments and recognitions include earning Dean’s List honors, Purdue’s Presidential Scholarship, the Purdue National Recognition Scholarship, being named a top student in several classes, and making the Honor Roll each year.
Outside of school, Jiles enjoys traveling, fitness challenges, reading, and spending time with friends.
Local High School Graduation Dates & Times
East Allen University – May 28, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at PFW Auer Performance Hall
Leo High School – May 29, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Woodlan High School – May 30, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at PFW Auer Performance Hall
Heritage High School – May 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at PFW Auer Performance Hall
Hicksville High School – May 31, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the school
New Haven High School — May 31, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
