The graduation caps have soared, and now it’s time to recognize the Top Twenty Princeton students from the Class of 2026.
On May 13th, PHS hosted an event at Matthews Auditorium to honor students with the highest Grade Point Averages. Earning this distinction takes hard work, dedication, and academic excellence.
Join us in congratulating these outstanding Viking scholars. Let's celebrate their success and wish them the best as they continue to pursue their dreams.
#1. Please give a standing ovation and round of applause to Khushi Patel, the PHS Class of 2026 Valedictorian!
Khushi will attend The Ohio State University for undergraduate studies in Psychology. Mr. Edward Martin introduced Khushi at the Top Twenty ceremony in Matthews Auditorium, speaking on her qualities and leadership. She is thoughtful, advocatory, respectful, and a person of integrity who has made many positive differences. Khushi is known for being reliable and for guiding others in class or on the Tennis courts. Not only was she actively involved in the Princeton Music program, playing the violin, Khushi also participated in the Wright State University Choral Festival and in the Princeton Theatre program.
Khushi shines a light on others and is very family-oriented, thanking her parents and sisters for instilling self-discipline, high standards, and strength, and for giving her the tools and foundation to build upon.
Khushi Patel started her academic career at Heritage Hill Elementary and loved “the variety of opportunities offered, both in academics and extracurriculars. Princeton offers a wide variety of academic rigor, a multitude of sports, music and art classes, and clubs.”
She was awarded the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Scholar Athlete Award for demonstrating academic excellence while participating in interscholastic athletics. She had the highest scholastic grade point average in the school.
#2 Congratulations to Lucas Patterson, the PHS Class of 2026 Salutatorian!
Lucas, who has been very active in the Princeton Music Program, will attend Ohio University, majoring in Music Education. Mrs. Kirsten Brown had the pleasure of introducing Lucas at the Top Twenty ceremony in Matthews Auditorium, having served as his music teacher for 6 years before her retirement. Mrs. Brown shared that Lucas’ superpower is that he shows up, challenges himself, and is a dream student. This year, Lucas was a Drum Major, leading nearly 200 students in the Pride of Princeton Marching Band. He loved the opportunities the Music Department provided, including the BLINK Parade, traveling, making social connections, and learning cool music selections.
This former Evendale Elementary student will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, and altruism. He is a great volunteer and assisted with the inaugural “People of Princeton” event. Lucas keeps it real, sharing his own personal experiences to ensure that others feel included and heard. We are extremely proud of his resilience and know his talents will take him far (or maybe someday bring him back to Matthews Auditorium!) All the best, Lucas - keep making cool music!
#3 Way to go, Katelynn Jones, full International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate! Katelynn is a multi-talented, responsible, hardworking scholar who loves wearing her pajama pants. Katelynn was active in the Princeton Music program, where she played the violin, and enjoyed the opportunities it gave her to travel to new places. Mr. Brian Mullholland introduced the Springdale Elementary alum. Katelynn was on the Academic Quiz Team and played Tennis at Princeton. She shared that the IB cohort was very tight-knit and bonded. Katelynn’s next academic steps will take place at Ohio University, where she plans to study Marine Science and minor in Speech and Hearing Sciences. Her goal is to study coral reefs.
During her Top Twenty speech, Katelynn shared a message to her Grandma in Vietnamese and thanked her family for their support over the years.
#4 Congratulations to Collin Schappacher! Collin plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to major in Civil Engineering. Mr. Andrew Bridges, who taught Collin for three years of engineering classes, gave a wonderful introduction about Collin at the Top Twenty ceremony. Mr. Bridges shared that Collin is willing to solve problems, using bravery and a sense of adventure to try new things and find solutions. From Introduction to Engineering Design, 3D Printing, and Battle Bot Competitions, Collin has a sharp mind for innovation and turning creative ideas into reality.
Hailing from Sharonville Elementary School, Collin took the “Princeton Advantage” to heart, participating as a Princeton Polygon Penguin in Pentathlon. At PHS, Collin was a member of the Varsity Soccer and Volleyball teams, and the Red Rage Cage. Collin was awarded the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s OHSAA Scholar Athlete Award as the male with the highest scholastic average. He also enjoys playing video games and hanging out with friends. Wishing you all the best, Collin!
#5 WooHoo! Eleanor Jacobs, a full International Baccalaureate candidate, is heading to Ohio University to major in Biological Sciences. This Springdale Elementary School graduate was presented by Mrs. LaTia Farria at the Top Twenty ceremony. Mrs. Ferrari shared that Eleanor is the most likely to quietly get the job done, discover a new species, win a Nobel Prize, and not include it on her resume, leave a lasting impression, and end her career at Princeton as a Top 20 student. As an insightful reader and writer, Ellie is simultaneously “Most likely to say the least, that means the most,” and “Most likely to teach the teacher.”
Ellie was involved behind the scenes in the Princeton theatre program, including serving as the assistant stage manager for this year’s play, “Poisoned in the Garden.” Ellie shared that she enjoyed the challenging classes that prepared her for college. She thanked her teachers at Princeton and her friends for their positive attitudes, which supported her success.
#6-20 coming soon...