Midland Independent School District announced on April 14 that it will recognize 23 students as the top graduates of the Class of 2026. The recognition honors academic excellence and achievement across five high schools in the district.
The announcement is significant as it highlights student achievement and celebrates those who have excelled academically. Honoring these students also underscores the district’s commitment to supporting educational success and encouraging future leaders.
The honorees include the top ten graduates from both Legacy High School and Midland High School, selected based on grade point average, along with valedictorians from Early College High School at Midland College and Young Women’s Leadership Academy, as well as the top graduate from Coleman High School. “These students represent the very best of MISD with excellence in academics, leadership, and determination,” said Dr. Stephanie Howard, MISD Superintendent. “We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and cannot wait to see the impact they will make in our community as they graduate. I want to thank each member of our team who impacted these students over the years, and I want to thank the parents for the opportunity to be part of these outstanding students’ education.”
Legacy High School’s top graduates are Olivia Lee (Valedictorian), Abigail Van Husen (Salutatorian), Yuki Soda, Mary Wetendorf, Madeline Rhoads, Ilyann Nagues, Hadrian Urquidi, Daniellys Marquez-Dominguez, Rachel Hoffman, and Leila Luna. At Midland High School, Gabriela Mata Garcia is Valedictorian followed by Gavin Gray (Salutatorian), Adalise Thompson, Noah Lopez, Easton Stepan, Lorelei Parrish, Lillian Earl, Abigail Gutierrez, Edith Olivo and Milana King.
Other honorees include Luther Mbakwa (Valedictorian) at Early College High School at Midland College; Lauren Ramos (Valedictorian) at Young Women’s Leadership Academy; and Josiah Herrera as Top Graduate at Coleman High School.
These scholars will be honored by Midland ISD during a May district recognitions program as well as at the Shining Stars Breakfast hosted by the Midland Education Foundation. During this event celebrating academic achievements among MISD’s top graduates, scholarships will be presented.
