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 (tie) Congratulations to Cameron Moyer! Wish him the best of luck as he heads to
The Ohio State University to study Mechanical Engineering. Associate Superintendent Tonya West Wright presented Cameron at the Top Twenty Recognition, as she was his first principal at Evendale Elementary School and has watched his academic journey since he was five years old. Cameron is known for his kindness and intelligence. He was an Advanced Placement Scholar, part of the Music program, and served on the Superintendent’s Student Cabinet. This year, Cameron helped with the Viking U (teacher development day) program. He has a brave heart and mentors young people in a Drone Club, sharing his enthusiasm for math and science.
Cameron said, “What I like most about Princeton is the educational opportunities that I have been afforded, the amazing teachers who have aided me on my journey, and the lifelong friends I have met along the way.”
#6 (tie) Some students stand out because of what they achieve. Others stand out because of who they are. Lillian Edmiston is both.
From serving as President of National Honor Society and co-hosting “Viking Voices,” to leading on the tennis court, excelling in International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, and shining on stage in musical theater and orchestra, Lilli represents the very best of Princeton City Schools.
Her poise, authenticity, leadership, and passion for serving others continue to inspire everyone around her. Whether speaking in front of hundreds, mentoring peers, performing on stage, or representing our district across the state and beyond, Lilli leads with confidence, kindness, and heart. Her violin teacher since she was four years old, Mrs. Rose Reidmiller, introduced Lilli at the Top Twenty Ceremony, announcing she was more than a triple threat. Lilli first showed off her stage skills at Matthews Auditorium, by representing Glendale Elementary School in the 2019 Princeton’s Got Talent show! Lilli is musically, artistically, and academically talented. Her favorite classes included IB History and Theory of Knowledge. Lilli credits her friends and classmates for making the hard classes joyful.
We are incredibly proud of all Lillian has accomplished and excited to see the music she has to share with the world, as she continues her studies at Ohio University. Once a Viking, always leading the way.
#8 Mason Lim is bound to be a Buckeye at The Ohio State University this fall! He will be studying Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Matthew Haberkorn introduced Mason at the Top Twenty Ceremony. He spoke about how Mason cares deeply about his work, to the point that he was immune from Seniorist. His success in the NJROTC and on the Chess team are tied to his character and leadership skills. Mason is someone you can always count on, has a “can do” attitude and will lead the way. Mason thanked his coaches and teachers, specifically pointing out some of his Glendale Elementary teachers, Coach Arnold Franklin from Chess, and Mr. Brian Mullholand from Academic Quiz Team. We wish Mason all the best, knowing his future is bright.
#9 ¡Felicidades! Congratulations to Annette Flores as she heads to The State University to study Biology (Pre-Med) with the goal of becoming an Anesthetist. Annette loved the variety of classes, extracurriculars, and events that PHS offers its students. Annette shared that diverse voices help open doors for others and said, “Never let where you come from determine where you are going.” Mrs. Tong Xie introduced the former Heritage Hill Elementary Student at the Top Twenty Recognition. Annette thanked her parents in Spanish and added that she will carry the lessons and memories made at Princeton with her. Wishing you much success!
#10 Grant Gatlin is heading to Columbus to study Civil Engineering at The Ohio State University. Mr. Jim O’Connor spoke about Grant’s intellect and near-perfect score on the ACT. Grant took AP Human Geography as an elective course, since his schedule was jam-packed with Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes. Grant thanked his classmates, teachers, teammates, and parents for their continued support. He began his academic career at Evendale Elementary School and tried to enjoy all his time at Princeton, while still working hard.
#11 Congratulations to Ransford Amoah! He plans to major in Computer Science at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, this fall. PHS French Teacher Mrs. Emily Shepard introduced Ransford at the Top Twenty Recognition program and shared that his sense of humor and bravery lift up everyone around him. Ransford is headed to basic training in the National Guard this summer. Last summer, Ransford was one of the Princeton representatives at Buckeye Boys State, and he represented our district with class and distinction. Ransford, keep choosing the challenges, and know how incredibly proud we are of you!
#12 Way to go, Joseph Little! Due to a conflict with a baseball game, Joey missed the ceremony, but shared a video message with the audience. He shared a message that it is the people of Princeton who surround you and set you up for success. He felt that he had surpassed his goals this season. Ms. Elizabeth Rodak introduced him by video and shared that she was someone she always looked up to. His ceramic dragon was the talk of the Festival of Arts this year. Joey is heading to the University of Cincinnati to study Industrial Engineering. He is a proud alum of Springdale Elementary School.
#13 Jennifer Mendoza-Lopez is heading to The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences, determined to earn her Bachelor's in Nursing. Known for her volunteer work, especially with Key Club and the National Honor Society. Jennifer was also played Tennis for the Vikings.
She attended Heritage Hill Elementary School and is proud to be a first-generation college student. Jennifer leads by example and is always willing to help others. Congratulations, Jennifer!
#14 (tie) Congratulations to Kiyah Toler! She will study Nursing at Miami University in Oxford! Kiyah was introduced by Mr. Michael Bruening, her Science and Honors Anatomy teacher. He shared that Kiyah is a role model for every future Viking, with her highly intelligent mind, curiosity, and kindness. Kiyah was part of the Lacrosse team and learned that she can do hard things. Kiyah attended Springdale Elementary School and shared that her teachers across all grades were her favorite part of school because they consistently challenged and supported her every step of the way.
#14 (tie) Let’s cheer on Jose Barrera, who plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at The Ohio State University. Andrés Salinas, his older cousin, introduced the new Buckeye on the stage at Matthews Auditorium. Jose was part of the NJROTC, and took academically challenging courses, including Advanced Placement, College Credit Plus, and International Baccalaureate classes. He knows he wants to be an engineer in order to create something that will help others and make a difference in the world. Congratulations, Jose!
#16 Congratulations! Jabes Ortiz Barcelos will be studying Accounting at the University of Cincinnati after enlisting with the National Guard this summer. His quiet strength and creativity give him the independence to think critically about his work - whether it is art, math, or science. He is also a gifted photographer. Ms. Lindsay Holiday introduced him at the Top Twenty ceremony. Jabes makes his former Stewart Elementary School teachers very proud.
#17 As Elizabeth Smith crosses the stage to get her Princeton diploma, she has also earned her Associate's Degree from Miami University, where she took classes during her junior and senior year of high school. Her father, Paul Smith, gave a heartfelt introduction of Elizabeth at the Top Twenty Recognition. She is thankful that Princeton was her home and that she made lifelong friendships. Elizabeth shares that learning to deal with sacrifice and failure is part of success, and another part of success is about lifting others as you rise. Wishing Elizabeth all the best as she heads to the College of Charleston to study Accounting.
#18 Antony Solis-Mendoza will attend The Ohio State University in Columbus. His educational pathway will allow him to study Mechanical Engineering. Congratulations to Antony for winning the Governor’s Merit Scholarship! His love of math and engineering, and his desire to be challenged in different ways, were evident as a thoughtful, respectful student who gained confidence during his time at Princeton. Anthony attended Springdale Elementary School and loved all the extracurricular activities that Princeton offers. Antony volunteered with Key Club, ran cross country, and was part of the theatre production of “Annie” this year. Mrs. Tracy Whitaker was honored to introduce Antony at the Top Twenty ceremony.
#19 Paytyn DePeel is bound for Miami University in Oxford, where she will study Vocal Music Education, with the intention of becoming a music teacher. Paytyn was introduced at the Top Twenty program by her very own brother, Mr. Andy DePeel, who teaches at Princeton High School. Paytyn is a gifted soloist. She also played on the tennis team. Her work ethic and leadership qualities have been shown since she was a student at Sharonville Elementary School. She tries to help others and is determined to keep school a safe space for all. Congratulations, Paytyn!
#20 Congratulations to Olivia Kenny! She began her education at Stewart Elementary and is now heading to Ohio University to pursue a degree in Graphic Design. She keeps her mind focused, does the work, and knows how to live authentically. She is a kind and passionate student and friend, known for her creativity and determination. Olivia participated in soccer and track and field. She was very involved in the music department, playing the trumpet. Mrs. Rachelle Williams introduced Olivia at the Top Twenty event.