DETROIT — As the school year concludes, seniors from the Archdiocese of Detroit's 23 high schools say farewell as they look forward to the next adventure ahead. No matter what comes next, each and every senior's path has been ordained by God, who rejoices and celebrates in their unique time, talents and treasures.
Each year, in a special way, Detroit Catholic honors local Catholic high school students who, through their academic and personal pursuits, have risen to the top of their class as valedictorians and salutatorians. We honor their accomplishments, and give God gratitude for their hard work and perseverance.
Please join us in praying for the entire Class of 2026, and congratulate those below on their well-deserved recognition.
Editor's note: Schools have different criteria for selecting valedictorians and salutatorians, and some schools honor more students than others. Detroit Catholic’s list is provided by each of the high schools surveyed.
Academy of the Sacred Heart, Bloomfield Hills
Valedictorian: Maria Juzych
Parents: Mark & Nadia Juzych
Parish: St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church, Warren & Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church, Hamtramck
College & Major: Michigan State University (human biology)
Salutatorian: Lourdes Henderson
Parent: Joia Henderson
College: University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business (finance)
Salutatorian: Madison Karakashian
Parents: Heidi and James Karakashian
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College & Major: University of Michigan College of Engineering (biomedical engineering)
Austin Catholic High School, Chesterfield Township
Valedictorian: Abigail Glynn
Parents: Danielle and Robert Glynn
Parish: St. Augustine, Richmond
College & Major: United States Naval Academy (aerospace engineering)
Salutatorian: Elena Ferri
Parents: Mark Ferri and Carla Perrotta
Parish: St. John Vianney, Shelby Township
College & Major: John Carroll University (STEAM field)
Bishop Foley High School, Madison Heights
Valedictorian: Natalie Skok
Parents: John and Katie Skok
Parish: St. Mary, Royal Oak
College & Major: Michigan State University (integrative biology)
Salutatorian: Zemma Kenny
Parents: Steve and Christine Kenny
Parish: St. Mary, Royal Oak
College & Major: Michigan State University (hospitality management)
Salutatorian: Annabelle Costanza
Parents: Frank and Cristin Costanza
Parish: Guardian Angels
College & Major: Loyola University, Chicago (biology)
Brother Rice High School, Bloomfield Hills
Valedictorian: Caden Hong
Parents: Linda and Seonghwan Hong
Parish: St. Mary of the Hills, Rochester Hills
College & Major: University of Michigan, College of Engineering (pre-med track)
Valedictorian: Ashton Kallabat
Parents: Heather and Steve Kallabat
Parish: St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church, West Bloomfield Township
College & Major: University of Michigan, College of Literature, Science and the Arts
Valedictorian: Nikolai Korniyevskiy
Parents: Yulia Kornievskaia and Aleksey Korniyevskiy
Parish: St. Innocent Orthodox Church, Redford Township
College & Major: University of Michigan, Biochemistry (pre-med track)
Valedictorian: Matheus Pinto
Parents: Elissa and Roger Pinto
Parish: St. Thomas More, Troy
College & Major: University of Michigan (biology)
Valedictorian: Owen Stropoli
Parents: Mary Lou and Ron Stropoli
Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (neuroscience and behavior)
Valedictorian: Hyunwoo Yoo
Parents: Yoonjung Kim and Anno Yoo
Parish: St. Mary’s of the Hills, Rochester Hills
College & Major: University of Michigan (chemical engineering)
Salutatorian: Samuel Meyers
Parents: Leia and Jim Meyers
Parish: Sacred Heart, Auburn Hills
College & Major: University of Michigan (engineering)
Salutatorian: Owen Zidar
Parents: Meghan and John Zidar
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College & Major: Boston College (Carroll School of Management)
Cabrini High School, Allen Park
Valedictorian: Colin Maffesoli
Parents: Dana and Christopher Maffesoli
Parish: St. Frances Cabrini, Allen Park
College & Major: University of Detroit Mercy (robotics and engineering)
Salutatorian: LuzMaria Nava
Parents: Maria and Juan Nava
Parish: St. Frances Cabrini, Allen Park
College & Major: University of Michigan (biology, pre-med track)
Cardinal Mooney High School, Marine City
Valedictorian: Stella Behnan
Parents: Scott and Keyna Behnan
Parish: St. Mary, Port Huron
College & Major: St. Mary's College (biology)
Salutatorian: Chrisovalantis Thomas
Parents: Andrew and Julie Thomas
College & Major: Wayne State University (biological sciences)
De La Salle Collegiate High School, Warren
Valedictorian: Malcolm Richardson
Parent: James and Jenny Richardson
Parish: Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Beverly Hills
College & Major: Carleton College (mathematics)
Salutatorian: Curtis Yaek
Parents: Jonathan and Jennifer Yaek
Parish: St. Augustine, Richmond
College & Major: University of Michigan (nuclear engineering)
Detroit Catholic Central High School, Novi
Valedictorian: Jeremiah Furtado
Parents: Rosemarie and Roland Furtado
Parish: Church of the Holy Family, Novi
College & Major: Notre Dame, Michigan, or Seton Hall (pre-medical - biology)
Salutatorian: John Kiousis
Parents: Pete Kiousis and Melissa Skauradchun
Parish: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Troy
College & Major: University of Michigan College of Engineering (electrical engineering)
Academic Honors: Philip Calabrese
Parents: Marcello and Sandra Calabrese
Parish: Church of the Holy Family, Novi
College & Major: Undecided (business)
Academic Honors: René Salinas Carrillo
Parents: Criztel Carrillo-Salinas and Julio Salinas
Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (political science)
Academic Honors: Jack Conners
Parents: Brad and Katy Conners
Parish: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Plymouth
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (finance)
Academic Honors: Hrushi Deshetty
Parents: Murali and Annapurna Deshetty
Middle School: Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington
College & Major: Georgia Institute of Technology (nuclear and radiological engineering)
Academic Honors: Krish Lal
Parents: Payal and Nirish Lal
College & Major: Michigan or Michigan State (pre-medical)
Academic Honors: Kyler Paris
Parents: Wade and Yvonne Paris
College & Major: University of Michigan College of Engineering (mechanical engineering)
Academic Honors: Charles Prince
Parents: David and Jennifer Prince
Parish: St. Joseph Parish, South Lyon
College & Major: University of Michigan (electrical engineering)
Academic Honors: Austin Semp
Parents: Dr. Brad Semp and Lee Semp
Church: Oak Point Church, Novi
College & Major: University of Alabama (engineering)
Detroit Cristo Rey High School, Detroit
Valedictorian: Camila Bazan
Parents: Carlos and Maria Bazan
Parish: Basilica of Ste. Anne de Détroit, Detroit
College & Major: University of Michigan (nursing)
Salutatorian: Marely Cabañas-Hernandez
Parents: Juan Cabañas-Martinez and Genoveva Hernandez Ballesteros
Parish: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Detroit
College & Major: University of Michigan (nursing)
Divine Child High School, Dearborn
Valedictorian: Rhett Cicotte
Parents: Jeffrey and Dina Cicotte
College & Major: University of Arizona (astronomy)
Valedictorian: Sami Saraya
Parents: Adnan and Rania Amer-Saraya
College & Major: University of Michigan (biology, health & society)
Salutatorian: Ava Reale
Parents: Francesco and Lynn Reale
Parish: Church of the Divine Child, Dearborn
College & Major: University of Michigan-Dearborn (information systems management)
Everest Collegiate High School & Academy, Clarkston
Valedictorian: Zoë Abraham
Parents: Renny and Rachel Abraham
College & Major: Hope College (business law)
Valedictorian: Armin Ramirez-Gomez
Parents: Alberto Ramirez-Mendez and Rocio Gomez-Arana
Parish: St. Joseph the Worker, Lake Orion
College & Major: University of Michigan (computer science)
Salutatorian: Emily Smith
Parents: Kevin and Catherine Smith
Parish: St. Daniel Parish, Clarkston
College & Major: Miami University, Ohio (biology)
Salutatorian: Dominic Walker
Parents: James and Kelly Walker
Parish: St. Daniel Parish, Clarkston
College & Major: Ave Maria University (economics)
Gabriel Richard High School, Riverview
Valedictorian: Theodore Campbell
Parents: Hugh and Emily Campbell
Parish: St. Joseph, Trenton
College & Major: University of Michigan (biomedical engineering)
Salutatorian: Jonah Luciow
Parents: Jason and Jennifer Luciow
College & Major: University of Michigan (neuroscience, pre-med)
Loyola High School, Detroit
Valedictorian: Caleb Coleman
Parents: Christopher Coleman and Jacqueline Coleman
College: Michigan State University
Salutatorian: Xavier Mayers
Parents: Jemel Mayers and Charlyn Mayers
College: Kettering University
Marian High School, Bloomfield Hills
Valedictorian: Meredith Hermann
Parents: Cynthia and John Hermann
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College & Major: University of Michigan (biopsychology, cognition and neuroscience)
Valedictorian: Clair Dauer
Parents: Carrie and Mark Dauer
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: University of Michigan (political science)
Valedictorian: Madelyn Prantera
Parents: Sonya and Matthew Prantera
Parish: Holy Name, Birmingham
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (history, political science and theology)
Valedictorian: Julia Rogers
Parents: Helene and Roberts Rogers
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: University of Michigan (neuroscience, pre-med)
Salutatorian: Violet Kainaya
Parents: Nora and Robert Kainaya
Parish: Sacred Heart of the Hills, Auburn Hills
College & Major: Wayne State University (pre-med track)
Salutatorian: Madeline Kouza
Parents: May and Rick Kouza
Parish: St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church, West Bloomfield Township
College & Major: University of Michigan (biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience/pre-dental)
Mercy High School, Farmington Hills
Valedictorian: Camilla Mendoza
Parents: Merced Corral and Rafael Mendoza
Parish: Most Holy Redeemer, Detroit
College & Major: University of Pennsylvania (biochemistry)
Salutatorian: Stella Coe
Parents: Lisa and Robert Coe
College & Major: University of Michigan (international studies)
Salutatorian: Chandravadana Koneru
Parents: Srivani Marupudi & Mohan Koneru
College & Major: Wayne State University (med-direct BS/MD program - neuroscience and public health)
Salutatorian: Peyton Robinson
Parents: Tracei and Andre Robinson
College & Major: University of Michigan (political science)
Salutatorian: Sophia Lillie Marie Segars
Parents: Angela and Darryl Segars
College & Major: Yale University (molecular, cellular and developmental biology)
Notre Dame Preparatory High School, Pontiac
Valedictorian: Dino Acciavatti
Parents: Daniel Acciavatti and Michelle Acciavatti
College & Major: Marquette University (biomedical engineering)
Valedictorian: Nicklaus Creek
Parents: Steven Creek and Nora Creek
College & Major: University of Michigan (biomedical engineering)
Valedictorian: Elisa Kim
Parents: Philip Kim and Ema Osaki-Kim
Parish: Holy Name, Birmingham
College & Major: University of Michigan (architecture)
Valedictorian: Jack Leuchtmann
Parents: Dr. Holly Jaskierny and Matthew Leuchtmann
Parish: Christ the Redeemer, Lake Orion
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (mechanical engineering)
Valedictorian: Kylie Manjo
Parents: Doraid Manjo and Donna Manjo
Parish: St. George Chaldean Catholic Church, Shelby Township
College & Major: University of Michigan (biopsychology, cognition, and neuroscience)
Valedictorian: Julia Pakkala
Parents: James Pakkala and Jennifer Pakkala
Parish: Church of the Holy Spirit, Highland Township
College & Major: University of Michigan (biology, health, and society)
Valedictorian: Madeline Rennwald
Parents: Matthew Rennwald and Michelle Rennwald
Parish: St. Andrew, Rochester
College & Major: Michigan State University (nursing)
Valedictorian: Payton Schmit
Parents: Matthew Schmit and Whitney Schmit
College & Major: University of Michigan (economics and data science)
Valedictorian: Matthew St. Andre
Parents: Stephen St. Andre and Teresa St. Andre
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College & Major: University of Michigan (history and political science)
Valedictorian: Maren Studt
Parents: Dr. Dave Studt and Lindsey Studt
College & Major: University of Michigan (biochemistry)
Our Lady of the Lakes High School, Waterford
Valedictorian: Kennidy Koshorek
Parents: Kevin and Mary Koshorek
Parish: Our Lady of the Lakes, Waterford
College & Major: University of Michigan (psychology)
Salutatorian: Nathan Camilleri
Parents: Rob and Kristyn Camilleri
Parish: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Lapeer
College & Major: Benedictine College (civil engineering)
Regina High School, Warren
Valedictorian: Abigail Jennie Farah
Parents: John and Noelle Farah
Parish: St. Peter, Mount Clemens
College & Major: University of Michigan (aerospace engineering)
Valedictorian: Janae Mariana Miotke
Parents: Alan Miotke and DeAnna Miotke
Parish: St. Christopher, Marysville
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (biochemistry with a minor in theology)
Valedictorian: Emily Marie Thacker
Parents: Howard and Kristin Thacker
Parish: St. Isaac Jogues, St. Clair Shores
College & Major: University of Michigan (chemistry)
Valedictorian: Ava Marie Tobola
Parents: Michael and Candice Tobola
Parish: St. Lawrence, Utica
College & Major: University of Michigan Ross School of Business (business administration)
Valedictorian: Caroline Marie Torey
Parents: Michael Torey and Kathleen Torey
Parish: St. Anne, Warren
College & Major: University of Michigan (pre-med/movement science)
Shrine High School, Royal Oak
Valedictorian: Maya LaChance
Parents: Anne and Steve LaChance
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: University of Michigan (nursing)
Valedictorian: Kai Sood
Parents: Amy Maestrangel and Manu Sood
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: University of Michigan (political science)
Valedictorian: Natalie Lanfear
Parents: Dr. David Lanfear and Sarah Lanfear
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: University of Michigan (cellular and molecular biology)
Valedictorian: Kate Zboril
Parents: Christine and Jeff Zboril
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: University of Michigan (economics with minors in business and Spanish)
Valedictorian: Nathaniel Alba
Parents: The late Jason Alba and Patty Alba
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: Ohio Northern University (playing baseball at ONU, major in engineering)
Valedictorian: Brandon Donley
Parents: Monica and Kevin Donley
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: University of Michigan Ross School of Business (finance)
Valedictorian: Jack Tisko
Parents: Lori and Tom Tisko
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: Indiana University Kelley School of Business (finance)
St. Catherine of Siena Academy, Wixom
Valedictorian: Ava Christine Lassey
Parents: Brian and Carrie Lassey
Parish: St. Joseph, Howell
College & Major: University of Michigan (business)
Valedictorian: Brooklyn Heather Nafso
Parents: Tim and Avita Nafso
Parish: St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church, West Bloomfield
College & Major: University of Michigan (economics)
Valedictorian: Araceli Brietta Cabello
Parents: Javier and Erin Cabello
Parish: Our Lady Of Good Counsel, Plymouth
College & Major: University of Dallas (writing)
Salutatorian: Ava Linh Tran
Parents: Thanh and Susan Tran
Parish: St. James, Novi
College & Major: University of Michigan (political science)
Salutatorian: Gabrielle Susan Wolocko
Parents: Daniel and Kristen Wolocko
Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington
College & Major: Oakland Community College (interior design & property management)
St. Mary Catholic Central High School, Monroe
Valedictorian: Genavieve Craanen
Parents: Nick and Christy Craanen
Parish: St. Charles Borromeo, Newport
College & Major: Gannon University (theatre & communication arts)
Salutatorian: Isabelle Morin
Parents: Bradley and Nancy Morin
Parish: St. Joseph, Erie
College & Major: University of Michigan, Ross School of Business
St. Mary’s Preparatory High School, Orchard Lake
Valedictorian: Luke Sallach
Parents: John and Carrie Sallach
College & Major: University of Michigan (biology, pre-dentistry track)
Valedictorian: Jillian Gibbs
Parents: Ted and Lora Gibbs
Parish: Our Lady of Victory, Northville
College: Albion College
Salutatorian: Ethan Marshall
Parents: Craig and Rebecca Marshall
Parish: St. Joseph the Worker, Lake Orion
College: Michigan State University
Salutatorian: Sydney LeButt
Parents: Christian and Alyssa LeButt
College & Major: Indiana University (biochemistry or a pre-physician/assistant track)
University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Detroit
Valedictorian: Connor London
Parents: Eric and Sheila London
Parish: St. Paul on the Lake, Grosse Pointe Farms
College: Georgetown University (undecided major)
Valedictorian: Shiraz Arshad
Parents: Jawad Arshad and Ayesha Mahmood
College: University of Michigan (undecided major)
