On May 21, students, families, staff, and partner school districts gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during the annual Senior Recognition Ceremony.
The ceremony was led by a group of student speakers who reflected on their experiences, growth, and appreciation for the support they received throughout their educational journey. During the ceremony, partner school districts were recognized for their continued encouragement, collaboration, and commitment to student success.
A highlight of the evening was the induction of three Distinguished Alumni who were honored for their professional achievements, leadership, and positive impact on their communities and careers.
Mr. Jonathan Hofstetter, a 1998 graduate of Central Christian School and the Career Center’s Ag Mechanics program.
Mrs. Sarah Edington, a 2004 graduate from Norwayne High School and the Career Center’s Cosmetology program.
And Miss Kara McCoy, a 2010 graduate of Northwestern High School and the Career Center’s Business program.
Members of the Class of 2026 were recognized for numerous academic and career technical accomplishments. Scholarships earned by graduating seniors were celebrated, along with recognition of Top Academic Seniors, Career Technical Honors Diploma recipients, Student Ambassadors, and National Honor Society students.
Students who achieved outstanding success in Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) competitions at both the state and national levels were also honored for placing in the top three in their events. In addition, Students of the Month were recognized for their leadership, character, and dedication.
The ceremony also celebrated all Top Seniors across career technical programs and departments. Earning a Top Senior distinction in academic classes were:
College English - Wesley Stoltz, Engineering Technologies, Northwestern
English – Lydia Teague, Wooster
Integrated Math – Brady Cooper, Criminal Justice, Tuslaw
Pre-Calculus - Abigail Polen, Cosmetology, Waynedale
Financial Algebra – Carson Clevenger, Rittman
Chemistry – Abigail Jones, Orrville
Science III – Dakotah Capelety, Waynedale.
Top Senior honors for career technical programs were:
Ag Mechanics/Power Technologies – Tate Neuenschwander, Tuslaw
AgriBusiness & Livestock Production – Brooklynn Tarleton, Triway
Animal Science – Matthew Butrum, Orrville
Automotive Technologies – Connor Clark, Central Christian
Building & Grounds – Alex Mendoza, Orrville
Business – Oliva Lauck, Chippewa
Construction Technologies – Grant Ramseyer, Homeschooled
Cosmetology – Abigail Polen, Waynedale
Criminal Justice – Karis Marty, Norwayne
Culinary Arts – Ellie Miller, Chippewa
Dental Assisting – Abigail Hill, Rittman
Diesel Technologies – Christian Thomas, Orrville
Early Childhood Education & Care – Brianna Jentes, Norwayne
Engineering Technologies – Rhyse Keplar, Orrville
Exercise Science & Sports Medicine – Lillith Dreibelbis, Norwayne
Graphic Design & Photography – Abigail Jones, Orrville
Hospitality – Hadyn Howard, Wooster
Industrial Maintenance Technologies – Braden Hollingsworth, Northwestern
Interactive Media – Alyssia Haller, Orrville
Machining Technologies – Jack Rohr, Triway
Medical Assisting – Allison Hollabaugh, Rittman
Patient Care Technologies – Alisa Diaz, Smithville
Powerline Technologies – Jason Veon, Norwayne
Practical Nursing – Cheyenne Friend, Northwestern
Robotics & Automation – Miles Pertee, Orrville
Welding & Fabrication – Brian Lewis, Triway
The event concluded with one of the evening’s highest honors: the announcement of the 2025–2026 Student of the Year. Brooklynn Tarleton was named Student of the Year for her outstanding academic achievement, leadership, involvement, and dedication throughout her high school career.
As part of the ceremony, each senior received a Certificate of Completion from their program instructor in recognition of the skills, knowledge, and dedication they demonstrated throughout their career-technical education experience.
The Senior Recognition Ceremony served as a meaningful celebration of the hard work, determination, and achievements of the Class of 2026 as students prepare to begin the next chapter of their journeys.
A PDF copy of the ceremony program is available here, and a recording of the livestream can be viewed on the WCSCC YouTube channel for those who were unable to attend the event in person.