The Superintendent of Schools Office for the Archdiocese of New York proudly celebrates the achievements of the Catholic High School Class of 2026, whose more than 4,400 graduates have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, faith-filled leadership, and service to others. Click here to view the press release.

Collectively, members of the Class of 2026 have earned more than $900 million in college scholarships, with 83 percent of graduates receiving scholarship offers. The class also achieved an outstanding 99 percent college acceptance rate, with students continuing their education at some of the nation’s most prestigious Catholic universities, Ivy League institutions, and internationally recognized colleges and universities.

Among this year’s graduates is a student who has been accepted into the Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University and as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of New York, answering God’s call to priestly formation and service.

“Every year, our graduates give us reason to hope,” said Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York. “They leave our Catholic schools not only with knowledge and accomplishments, but with a deep understanding that they are loved by God and called to make a difference in the world. Their years of formation in faith, service, and academic excellence have prepared them to lead with compassion, integrity, and courage. As they move forward, I pray they will be a source of light and hope for others, especially during moments of uncertainty, and that they will always remember that Christ walks beside them.”

The accomplishments of the Class of 2026 reflect the mission of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of New York: forming students who are academically prepared, spiritually grounded, and committed to serving others.

“As our graduates begin this next chapter, my prayer is that they never forget that Christ is part of their story,” said Linda Dougherty, Associate Superintendent for Catholic Identity and Secondary Schools. “He has been present throughout their years in Catholic school, celebrating their successes, strengthening them through challenges, and guiding them along the way. Wherever life takes them next, I hope they remain open to His presence and trust that He will continue to lead them toward great things.”

Below is a snapshot of the valedictorians and salutatorians from each high school in the Archdiocese:

School Valedictorian Salutatorian
Academy of Mount St. Ursula Brooklyn Valentin Muna Jack
Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia, NY Jacquelyn Murphy Grace Needham
Archbishop Stepinac High School Elden Agee James Donohoe
Cardinal Hayes High School Byron Brown Jr. Samuel Asare
Cardinal Spellman High School Isaiah DeJesus Gabriela Martinica
Cathedral High School Mikala Mentis-Cort Irene Opoku-Mensah
Convent of the Sacred Heart
Cristo Rey New York High School Rachelle Peralta Hidalgo Rean Rene Collado
Dominican Academy Claire Paige Parniawski Gwendolyn Hoffman Lee,
Fordham Preparatory School Gianni Fava-Pastilha
Iona Preparatory School Michael Drummey, Jr. Daniel Resua
John S. Burke Catholic HS Helen Mathew Stephen Kelly
Kennedy Catholic John Cassidy Gina Savino
La Salle Academy Joseph Mantilla John Pauta
Loyola School Hudson McBride and Michael Wagner Imogen Spence
Maria Regina High School Elizabeth Hunt Ava Magaletti
Marymount School of New York Emily Peng Victoria Ferreira
Monsignor Farrell High School Joseph Mignano Rion Llolla
Monsignor Scanlan High School Rihana Haniff Godwin Lin
Moore Catholic High School Yiokyeen Chu Garcia Isabelle Rampersad
Mount St. Michael Academy Fritzclarel Leveque Drew Diaz
Notre Dame Academy High School Madeline Gillen Talia Lioce and Grace Illuzzi
Notre Dame School of Manhattan Cooper Winkler Daphne Tsarnas
Our Lady of Lourdes High School Tatum Chance Ava Zych
Preston High School Nicole Yencik Jenna Passanisi
Regis High School
Sacred Heart High School June Avellaneda Kaytlin Alleyne
Saint George Academy Derek De la Cruz Yuliianiia Bala
Salesian High School Leart Vucetaj Michael Savarese
School of the Holy Child
St Catharine academy Ivy Nguyen Annabella Castro
St. Jean Baptiste High School Isabel Amaya Katie Liang
St. Joseph by-the-Sea Olivia Profeta Chace Cambria
St. Joseph Hill Academy High School Leila Parnese Emma Moroz
St. Peter’s Boys High School Damian Mascolo Dave Fernandez Jr.
St. Raymond Academy for Girls Dhaliana Pena Shamiyah McIntosh
St. Raymond High School for Boys Nicholas Garcia Jonathan Corporan
St. Vincent Ferrer High School Alexa Elhajj Ilian Mihas and McKenzie Procker
The Montfort Academy Leo Greco Cailyn White
The Ursuline School Lucy Equinda Sophia Patz
Xavier High School Ethan Joel Kim Theodore Nam Kim

 

The Superintendent of Schools Office extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Catholic High School Class of 2026 and offers prayers for God’s continued blessings as graduates embark on the next stage of their educational, professional, and vocational journeys. The Office also offers its gratitude to the dedicated administrators, teachers, chaplains, coaches, and staff members who have faithfully accompanied these graduates, nurturing their academic, spiritual, and personal growth throughout their years in Catholic high school.