{"id":51053,"date":"2026-05-12T09:28:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T13:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westbendnews.net\/autonews\/?p=51053"},"modified":"2026-05-12T09:28:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T13:28:16","slug":"class-of-2026-top-scholars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westbendnews.net\/autonews\/class-of-2026-top-scholars\/","title":{"rendered":"Class of 2026 Top Scholars"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Antwerp High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Leigha Doster, AHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Antwerp Local School\u2019s Class of 2026 recognizes Leigha Doster<\/em><\/strong> as one of their Top Scholars. She graduates with a 3.986 GPA. Leigha is the daughter of Wendy Doster and plans to attend Purdue Fort Wayne to major in Elementary Education. Leigha said she has always enjoyed working with children and was inspired by her aunt, who teaches first grade. During high school, she participated in Cross Country for six years, Track for six years, Cheer for three years, and National Honor Society for two years. Her honors and recognitions included Honor Roll status with a GPA between 3.67 and 4.0, Top Student in AP Biology, Student of the Quarter, and a $2,000 scholarship from Purdue Fort Wayne. Outside of school, Leigha enjoys running, baking, spending time outdoors, hanging out with friends, and shopping. Her most memorable high school experience was qualifying for regionals during her senior year with the girls cross country team and sharing one final race together with her teammates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Raelynne Zuber, AHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Antwerp Local School\u2019s Class of 2026 recognizes Raelynne Zuber<\/em><\/strong> as one of their Top Scholars. She graduates with a 3.961 GPA. Raelynne is the daughter of Ryan and Amber Zuber and plans to attend Ohio University to major in Nutrition Sciences\/Pre-Physician Assistant. Raelynne hopes to become a physician assistant so she can help people recover and improve their everyday lives. Throughout high school, she earned numerous honors including Student of the Quarter awards in World History, English, Pre-Calculus, and Principal\u2019s Student of the Quarter; Most Improved awards in Softball and Cross Country; Top English Student honors in 2023 and 2024; Top Chemistry Student; Rotary Award for Cross Country; GMC Honorable Mention Cross Country; Cheerleading Leadership Award; Coaches Awards in Softball and Cheerleading; Honor Roll all four years; All-Ohio Outstanding Student Leader; Four Year Academic Excellence Award; AP Statistics Top Student; Quill and Scroll Award; Diploma with Honors; and the Scholar Athlete Award. Raelynne was highly involved in school activities, serving as a Student Council Representative for four years, participating in National Honor Society as a junior and serving as vice president her senior year, and working with Student Technology Services for four years. She also participated in Varsity Competition Cheer, Varsity Basketball Cheer, Varsity Softball, Varsity Cross Country, and Junior Varsity Volleyball, while volunteering for Special Needs Summer T-ball, the SpongeBob Musical technology crew, and performing as Grandma in The Addams Family High School Musical. She also participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes all four years. Her community service included volunteering at Literacy Night and the School Book Fair for four years, trail maintenance with the Paulding Soil and Water District, Student Council Service Day projects, Antwerp Pharmacy promotion videos, Mini Archer camps in volleyball, cheer, and cross country, the Veteran\u2019s Memorial Video, the Class of 2025 Graduation Video, cancer fundraiser events, blood drives, and National Honor Society Christmas for Kids shopping. Raelynne also worked as a tumbling instructor at MAC Gym from 2022-2026 and served as Student Technology Services Student Manager from 2022-2026. Her most memorable high school experience was becoming part of the first girls cross country team in school history to win the GMC title and the first team to qualify for regionals since 2011.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hampton Jon Rogge, AHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Antwerp Local School\u2019s Class of 2026 recognizes Hampton Jon Rogge<\/em><\/strong> as one of their Top Scholars. He graduates with a 3.959 GPA. Hampton is the son of TJ and Diana Hammer and Brett Rogge and plans to attend University of Saint Francis to major in Biology\/Pre-Physician Assistant. Hampton chose the field because he enjoys working in a team-based environment and hopes to expand healthcare access in his community while promoting wellness and preventative medicine in rural and underserved areas. Hampton was active in numerous extracurricular activities including Student Council, National Honor Society, Varsity Football, Varsity Basketball, Varsity Baseball, and Varsity Track and Field. His honors included Top Student awards in Algebra I, Geometry, and Biology I; Student of the Quarter; Highest Honor Roll all four years; University of Findlay Dean\u2019s List recognition; University of Findlay College Credit Plus Student of the Year; Academic A Award; Antwerp Scholar Athlete honors; GMC Scholar Athlete; Basketball Most Improved Player; Basketball Coaches Award; District 7 Honorable Mention in Basketball; District 7 All Academic Team; Football Coaches Award; GMC Second Team Defensive Back honors; Prom Attendant; and Homecoming Attendant. He also earned the Franklin B. Walters Scholarship, the University of Saint Francis Trustees\u2019 Scholarship, Legacy Grant, Out of State Grant, Governor\u2019s Merit Scholarship, JP Crain Scholarship, and the VFW Post 5087 Scholarship. Hampton contributed to the community through Fall Festival volunteering, Student Technology Services, PASS, raking leaves for community members, Christmas for Kids, coaching Mini Archers Basketball, and coaching Flag Football. His leadership roles included serving as National Honor Society Secretary and as captain of both the football and basketball teams. Hampton also gained work experience through Student Technology Services, Friend Flooring, and as the Antwerp volleyball announcer. Outside of school, he enjoys fishing, working for his grandfather and uncle at Friend Flooring, going to the movies, and spending time with friends. His most memorable high school experience was setting the school record for passing yards in a football game during his junior year against Ayersville.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hicksville High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kennedy Christine Adams, HHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hicksville Local School recognizes Kennedy Christine Adams<\/em><\/strong> as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian. Kennedy is the daughter of John and Heather Adams of Hicksville and plans to attend Black Hawk College to study General Science. Throughout her academic career, Kennedy earned Honor Roll recognition from 2014 to the present, was named a High School Scholar Athlete from 2023 to the present, and received the 2021 Essential Ace award. Kennedy has been active in numerous extracurricular activities including National Honor Society, where she currently serves as Treasurer, and Student Council, where she currently serves as Secretary and Treasurer. She has also participated in Volleyball from 2017-2025, Basketball from 2016-2026, Softball from 2015 to the present, and Travel Softball from 2019 to the present. Kennedy also earned an athletic scholarship to continue her education and athletic career at Black Hawk College.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Aleyah Keely, HHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hicksville Local School recognizes Aleyah Keeley<\/em><\/strong> as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian. Aleyah is the daughter of Clay and Emily Keeley of Hicksville and plans to attend The Ohio State University to major in Mechanical Engineering while minoring in Military Science. Her academic achievements include Honor Roll recognition and the Scholar Athlete Award. Throughout high school, Aleyah served as Student Council President and National Honor Society President while also participating in Varsity Golf, Softball, Cross Country, FFA, and serving as a Student House Leader. Her scholarships and recognitions include the Army ROTC National Scholarship, Governor\u2019s Merit Scholarship, and Ohio State University Grant.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Alexander Zeedyk, HHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hicksville Local School recognizes Cross Alexander Zeedyk<\/em><\/strong> as Class of 2026 Salutatorian. Cross is the son of Clint and Angela Zeedyk of Hicksville. He plans to attend Hillsdale College to study Finance. His academic honors include four-quarter Honor Roll recognition from 2022-2026, High School Scholar Athlete honors from 2022-2026, Outstanding Algebra II Student in 2024, Outstanding Environmental Science Student in 2025, and qualification for the Ohio Area 1 Envirothon State competition in 2025. Cross has been heavily involved in extracurricular activities including National Honor Society, where he served as Vice President, Hicksville Initiative Student House Leader, Varsity Football where he was a two-time team captain, Wrestling where he served as Senior Captain, and Track and Field. He also earned the Inspiring Teens Magazine Issue 98 Scholarship.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paulding High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Trenton Manz, PHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Paulding Local School Class of 2026 recognizes Trenton Manz<\/em><\/strong> as this year\u2019s Valedictorian. He graduates with a 4.492 GPA. Trenton is the son of Will and Joanna Manz and plans to attend Defiance College to pursue a degree in Education with the goal of eventually teaching science at the middle or high school level. He hopes to remain in Paulding County and may later pursue a master\u2019s degree in Administrative Education to become a principal or another type of school leader. Trenton said he feels called into education because of the support he has received from the staff, community, and leadership at Paulding High School and hopes to provide future generations of Paulding Panthers with that same support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout high school, Trenton was heavily involved in choir and drama, which he said created some of his best memories. He performed lead roles in several musicals and plays including Clue, Footloose, How to Survive a Shakespeare Play, Annie, Aladdin, and Mamma Mia. He also enjoyed supporting classmates, friends, and younger siblings in their sports and extracurricular activities, saying there is nothing like a home crowd at Paulding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trenton said he is very thankful and fortunate to be named Valedictorian of the Class of 2026. His accomplishments include earning All A Honor Roll recognition every year except fifth grade, taking honors math, English, and science courses, passing AP Chemistry, and completing more than 45 college credit hours during high school. He is also a member of National Honor Society and plans to continue studying Science Education at Defiance College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of school, Trenton enjoys spending time with friends and family and is active in his church youth group. He said he strives to live his life for Jesus and has developed a love for Barbershop Quartets that he hopes to continue for many years. He also enjoys being outdoors, especially mowing, along with swimming, playing pickup basketball and football, and camping. Trenton and a friend are currently restoring an old motorhome that they plan to use for road trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When reflecting on high school, Trenton said there have been many memorable moments over the last four years, both good and bad. He especially enjoyed cheering on some of the best sports seasons in Paulding history this past year and getting to know his classmates personally while sharing in both the fun and ordinary moments of high school. He said he is excited to see what the future holds for the Panthers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sheyenne Shepherd, PHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Paulding Local School Class of 2026 recognizes Sheyenne Shepherd<\/em><\/strong> as this year\u2019s Salutatorian. She graduates with a 4.327 GPA. Sheyenne is the daughter of Aaron and Jennifer Shepherd and plans to attend Northwest State Community College to major in Nursing. She said she has always had a desire to help people and believes nursing is a career that will allow her to do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout high school, Sheyenne participated in the Drama Department, Ohio Model United Nations, Student Council, National Honor Society, and worked while attending school. Her awards and scholarships include the Presidential Scholarship through Northwest State Community College, the Governor\u2019s Merit Scholarship, and the St. Rita\u2019s Medical Center Scholarship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of school, Sheyenne enjoys spending time with her family and watching her nieces and nephews. She also enjoys reading and spending time with friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her most memorable high school experience was standing in the student section with her friends while cheering on this year\u2019s Paulding sports teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wayne Trace High School:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Toree Sinn, WTHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wayne Trace Local School recognizes Toree Sinn<\/em><\/strong> as Class of 2026 Top Scholar, who graduates with a 4.0 GPA. Toree is the daughter of Josh and Chrissy Sinn and plans to attend The Ohio State University to major in Nursing. She said she is interested in the medical field and has a passion for serving others. Throughout high school, Toree served as Pep Club President, National Honor Society Vice President during her senior year, Student Council Vice President during her freshman and sophomore years, Prom Committee member during her junior year, and Yearbook staff member during her junior and senior years. She also volunteered with the WTEA Purse Bingo, Paulding Fairgrounds food distribution, Tutoring, Wayne Trace Senior Citizen Luncheon, and Wayne Trace Volleyball Teaching Camp. Her honors included being named a Franklin B. Walter Scholarship winner, earning an Academic Letter, and making the Honor Roll. Outside of school, Toree enjoys staying active and playing sports, along with watching sporting events, television shows, and movies. Her most memorable high school experience was attending football and basketball games with her friends.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Caitlyn Mead, WTHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wayne Trace Local School recognizes Caitlyn Mead<\/em><\/strong> as Class of 2026 Top Scholar, who graduates with a 4.0 GPA. Caitlyn is the daughter of Cary and Tina Mead and plans to attend Bowling Green State University to study Biology. She said she was inspired to pursue biology after a job shadowing opportunity where she worked alongside a biologist from the Ohio State University Extension office and saw firsthand how the area impacts the Lake Erie conservation project, inspiring her interest in conservation biology. During high school, Caitlyn participated in four years of basketball and softball and was a member of the high school marching and concert band for five years, where she held two leadership positions. She was also active in National Honor Society, the Spanish Club, Pep Band, and numerous volunteer activities including Habitat for Humanity. Caitlyn earned several athletic and academic honors including placement on the Dean\u2019s List at the University of Findlay, Departmental Awards in Health and Biology, first place in the West Bend News Writing Contest, Outstanding Member Award for Band, Most Improved awards in basketball and softball, the Raider Award for softball, GMC All-Conference Scholar Athlete recognition, Northwest Ohio District 7 Academic Achievement Award, and many additional honors. Outside of school, Caitlyn enjoys gardening flowers and vegetables, spending time outdoors, reading, writing, watching television shows including Friends reruns, and spending time with family, friends, her dog Shiloh, and her cat Frank. Her most memorable high school experience occurred during a band trip to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, when she and her friends became stuck at the top of a roller coaster hill for about 10 minutes before the ride resumed unexpectedly.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Clay Stoller, WTHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wayne Trace Local School recognizes Clay Stoller<\/em><\/strong> as Class of 2026 Top Scholar, who graduates with a 4.0 GPA. Clay is the son of Reid and Amanda Stoller and plans to attend Western Michigan University to study Biomedical Science. He said he plans to use his education to pursue a career in the healthcare field. Throughout high school, Clay participated in Varsity Football, Track and Field, National Honor Society, and community service activities. His awards and scholarships included the St. Rita\u2019s Medical Center Scholarship, the Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative Members Scholarship, and a four-year Academic Letter. Outside of school, Clay said he spends most of his time working out at the gym and hanging out with friends. His most memorable high school experiences were football games and track meets with his teammates.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Riley Manz, WTHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wayne Trace Local School recognizes Riley Manz<\/em><\/strong> as Class of 2026 Top Scholar, who graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Riley is the son of Greg and Julie Manz and plans to attend Purdue Fort Wayne to pursue degrees in Accounting and Finance. Riley said that throughout his years in school he has done well in math classes and developed an interest in statistics and money. During high school, he participated in Cross Country for four years, Track and Field for four years, and his church\u2019s youth group for four years. He also served as National Honor Society President during his senior year after being a member for two years. Riley\u2019s awards included being a three-time Americanism Test winner along with earning several department awards. Outside of school, Riley enjoys hunting, fishing, playing sports with friends and family, and watching both college and professional sports. His most memorable high school experience was watching March Madness games on his laptop during class each year.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Natalie Richie, WTHS Class of 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wayne Trace Local School recognizes Natalie Richie<\/em><\/strong> as Class of 2026 Top Scholar, who graduates with a 4.0 GPA. Natalie is the daughter of Courtney Richie and Eric Hohman and plans to attend Kent State University to pursue a degree in Chemistry with the goal of becoming an anesthesiologist. She said she has always been interested in the medical field because she wants to help others, noting the strong growth currently occurring in the healthcare industry. Throughout high school, Natalie participated in National Honor Society and Scholastic Bowl, and during her senior year she served as Student Council President. Her honors and recognitions included the Ohio Governor\u2019s Merit Scholarship, a 2025 Scholastic Art and Writing Competition Honorable Mention, the University of Saint Francis 44th Annual High School Art Show Award of Excellence, recognition in the 2025 Huntington University High School Art Show, Ohio House of Representatives Student Art Recognition, and participation in the Congressional Art Competition, WT Art Show, and the Kenton Art Show. Outside of school, Natalie enjoys drawing, painting, baking, and doing nails. Her most memorable high school experience was attending football games, where she said the positive atmosphere and community spirit made the games especially memorable.
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