Highland High Hosts 2026 Senior Award Celebration

Highland High hosted its 2026 Senior Award Celebration on April 30th. 113 awards were handed out with some students receiving multiple nominations for their exceptional accomplishments while at HHS. The invitation-only event is held each year to honor Highland’s brightest scholars and students who persevere through and grow from the challenges faced in high school.

The event was brought to life through the joint efforts of the College & Career and Counseling departments at Highland to highlight all the good the students are doing and the exceptional amount of work they’ve put in to achieve their goals and work toward bright futures. 

The night begins with the Presentation of Awards, where hardworking students are publicly recognized for their outstanding efforts. The twist? All students are unaware of what they have been nominated for until the night of the event. 

"Attendees were truly impressed by the transformation of the cafeteria for the event and the thoughtful care behind it,” says Francia Ward, Highland High Career Specialist. With only 10% of the graduating class invited to attend, spirits soared with excitement and anticipation as the awardees were named.

Awards included:

• Top 1%
• National Merit Finalist
• Distinguished Diploma Seal Scholar (first in the district to earn all 4 Diploma Seals)
• Hoop of Learning Native Scholar
• Spirit of the Hawk
• Community Service
• ELITE Scholar Athlete by Sport
• Excellence in Performing Arts
• Excellence in Career & Technical Education
• RISE Above Awards
• Outstanding Leadership within a Club/Organization
• Perseverance Award

Students also took part in a Pinning Ceremony, once again acknowledging their dedication at Highland and symbolizing a transition from their high school career into their futures. Parents were proud to see their students be recognized and the students’ were excited to receive a special gift to be worn during graduation.

The Pinning Ceremony Creed:

"Remember those who have walked in front of you to lead you with grace, inspired kindness, and shown compassion.
Picture those who have walked beside you and reminded you of your importance, seen your growth, and shown you love.
Know that others will walk behind you to lend you strength, provide you comfort, and offer encouragement as you leave the Hawk nest.
May these wings represent the memories you've made and the courage to continue to rise and soar."

ELITE Scholar Athlete (awarded to athletes who have maintained a GPA of 4.0 or higher, played a sport for 4 years, and continuously display leadership and sportsmanship within their sport)

Excellence in Performing Arts (awarded to students who have made personal sacrifices to spend hours upon hours practicing, perfecting and performing)

Excellence in Career & Technical Education (Recipients of this award exhibit a strong work ethic, innovation and a commitment to career readiness)

Agribusiness - Grace Kopp
Auto - Andrew Gorr
Sports Medicine - Laci Kingsford and Natalie Rydell
Cabinetry - Izrael Contreras
Culinary - Troy Hostetter
Interior Design - Olivia Lewis
Fashion Design - Carleigh Rindfleisch
Early Childhood Education - Izabella Soldwisch
Plant Science - Isabelle French
Technical Theater - Lilyanna Barron, Griffin Phillips, and Magdalena Steimle
Yearbook - Krista Oh
Welding - Preston Pace and Nixon Harnish

Rise Above Awards

Respect

Isabella Couch

Innovation

Ashley Tribe
Carmen Kelly
Krista Oh
Abbey Rockwell

Serve

Gunnar Bates
McKenna Matz
Jay Jimenez Solis
Karina Schoen

Empower

Hinckley Thurmond
Andrew Hojnacki
Noah Yogurtian