Class of 2026 Valedictorians
Baile Braxton • Booker T. Washington Magnet High School
Baile Braxton is a recent graduate and the Valedictorian of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, where she excelled in the Law Magnet program. Deeply involved in her school community, she served as Secretary of the National Honor Society, Secretary of the Senior Class, President of the newly reinstated FBLA chapter, and leader of the school's YMCA Youth in Government program. She was also an active member of the Ladies of Excellence and the Fellowship of Christian Students.
Beyond the classroom, Baile completed internships at the federal courthouse, the nonprofit organization Voices for Alabama's Children, and Tuskegee University's Carver Integrative Sustainability Center on the "State of African Americans in the Black Belt Region" project. Additionally, she served on the inaugural MPS Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. This fall, Baile will attend Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, on a Presidential Scholarship, where she plans to major in Political Science.
Frederick Peifer • Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
Qayyima Muwwakkil • G.W. Carver High School
Qayyima Muwwakkil is the Valedictorian of the G.W. Carver High School Class of 2026, graduating with an outstanding 4.27 GPA. During her high school career, she participated in the MPACT Modern Manufacturing program and successfully completed Dual Enrollment courses, both of which fostered significant academic and personal growth. These rigorous programs allowed her to challenge herself, build valuable technical skills, and prepare for her future career. This fall, Qayyima will attend Trenholm State Community College to earn her associate degree before transferring to a four-year university. Her long-term goal is to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering and build a successful engineering career.
Xaviyah Yates • Johnson Abernathy Graetz High School
Xaviyah Yates is the Johnson Abernathy Graetz High School Valedictorian for the Class of 2026. Throughout her high school journey, she was highly active in the JAG Career Association—serving as Secretary for two years—as well as the Superintendent's Student Council and the National Honor Society. Dedicated to community service, Xaviyah also volunteered her time with the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. Her stellar academic accomplishments include maintaining Honor Roll status since kindergarten, earning 8 total awards (the most in her JAG program), and receiving approximately $100,000 in scholarship offers. This fall, Xaviyah will attend Auburn University at Montgomery to pursue undergraduate studies in Psychiatry. Though naturally reserved, she looks forward to college as a launching pad for personal growth, greater joy, and continued self-discovery while pursuing her professional dreams.
Matthias Butterfield • Loveless Academic Magnet Program (LAMP) High School
Matthias Butterfield is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026 at the Loveless Academic Magnet Program (LAMP) High School. Recognized for his exceptional academic achievements, intellectual curiosity, and strong critical-thinking skills, Matthias has distinguished himself as a dedicated scholar and student leader. He is deeply passionate about emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and enjoys exploring their evolving impacts on society. This fall, Matthias will head to the international stage to attend the University of Toronto, where he plans to major in Computer Science.
Maliyah Meeks • Park Crossing High School
Maliyah Meeks is a proud member and the Valedictorian of the Park Crossing High School Class of 2026. Throughout her high school journey, she grew academically, athletically, and personally through the unwavering support of her family, friends, teachers, coaches, and faith. Driven by a deep appreciation for the power of education, Maliyah paired her academic workload with heavy leadership roles, serving as Senior Class President, a Student Ambassador, a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society, and a student representative on the Superintendent's Council.
Athletics also played a massive role in her development; as a standout student-athlete on the girls' basketball team, she helped lead her squad to the 2025 Class 6A State Championship, earned South Regional MVP honors in 2026, was selected to the ASWA First Team All-State, and was named the North-South All-Star Game MVP. Maliyah will continue her academic and athletic career at Troy University on a basketball scholarship, where she plans to major in Criminal Justice.
Melinda Champhilak • Percy Julian High School
Melinda Champhilak is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026 at Percy Julian High School. Throughout her distinguished high school career, she dedicated herself to academic excellence, leadership, and vibrant extracurricular involvement. Her commitments included the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, YMCA Achievers, LINC MGM, the Marching Band, and serving as the Student Council Secretary. These experiences helped her develop strong discipline, leadership skills, and a lifelong commitment to service. This fall, Melinda will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she will major in Pre-Nursing with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Nurse and making a compassionate impact on the lives of children and families.
Class of 2026 Salutatorians
Olivia Hoit • Booker T. Washington Magnet High School
Olivia Hoit is a graduate and the Salutatorian of Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, showcasing outstanding leadership and academic excellence throughout her high school career. A four-year member of the school's Robotics Club, Olivia served as Co-President, spearheading team initiatives and fostering a highly collaborative environment. She also held critical leadership roles as the Treasurer of the National Honor Society and President of Mu Alpha Theta. Balancing arts, academics, and athletics, Olivia was also a dedicated three-year member of the BTW Magnet soccer team. This fall, she will attend Auburn University to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Helen Lancaster • Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
Jennifer Stanton • Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
Jennifer Stanton graduated from Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School as a Class of 2026 Salutatorian with an exceptional weighted GPA of 4.4833. Highly involved across academic and service lines, Jennifer was an active member of DECA (serving as Assistant Vice President of Career Development), HOSA, the National Honor Society, the National Technical Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, and the Rho Kappa Honor Society. She also served as an editor for the school magazine, competed nationally in the National Personal Finance Challenge, and volunteered with the Baptist Medical Center, Montgomery Cancer Center, the Girl Scouts, and her church community. An accomplished musician, Jennifer has studied piano for 11 years and is currently working to complete her Girl Scout Gold Award. This fall, she will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to major in Biomedical Sciences, with a planned career in medicine.
Lamaria White • G.W. Carver High School
Lamaria White is the Salutatorian of G.W. Carver High School's Class of 2026. Focusing heavily on academic rigor, Lamaria graduated with high honors and earned a coveted Top Ten Award. Her academic achievements earned her a full scholarship to Alabama State University, as well as a $20,000 scholarship offer from Alabama A&M University. This fall, Lamaria will officially attend Alabama State University to study Forensic Biology. Driven by a lifelong love of science, she aims to build a successful career in laboratory research, where she can continuously apply her scientific knowledge.
Sergio Martinez • Johnson Abernathy Graetz High School
Sergio Martinez is an 18-year-old graduate and the Salutatorian of Johnson Abernathy Graetz High School. Throughout high school, Sergio was a key member of the varsity soccer team, which instilled in him deep values of teamwork, discipline, and dedication. In tandem with his traditional coursework, Sergio attended the Montgomery Preparatory Academy for Career Technologies (MPACT). After exploring Electrical Technology during his first year, he discovered a true passion for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems and spent the next two years gaining invaluable hands-on industry experience. This fall, Sergio will attend Trenholm State Community College to expand his technical knowledge of HVAC systems. His long-term goal is to gain field experience and eventually launch his own independent HVAC business.
Layla Smith • Loveless Academic Magnet Program (LAMP) High School
Layla Smith is the Class Salutatorian and a National Merit Finalist at the Loveless Academic Magnet Program (LAMP) High School. Recognized for her academic excellence and sharp leadership, Layla served as the captain of the school's e-sports team and was an active member of the Outdoors Club, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Latin Honor Society. Driven by a love for technology, innovative problem-solving, and hands-on creation, she has successfully aligned her high school achievements with her future career goals. This fall, Layla will attend Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering.
Kaylin Kelly • Park Crossing High School
Kaylin Kelly's time at Park Crossing High School was defined by a beautiful balance of top-tier academics, varsity athletics, student leadership, and community service. Throughout her high school career, Kaylin served as the President of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), was an active member of the Student Council, and competed as a dedicated varsity athlete on the girls' basketball team, contributing to both a Class 6A State Championship victory and a State Runner-Up finish. Additionally, she was a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Kaylin is passionate about giving back, regularly volunteering at community wellness events and mentoring younger athletes to help them develop their sports skills, personal confidence, and discipline. This fall, she will attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to major in Civil Engineering.
Jaclyn Francisco Luna • Percy Julian High School
Jaclyn Francisco Luna is the Salutatorian at Percy Julian High School, where she masterfully balanced a demanding academic schedule with heavy extracurricular activities. She was an active member of both Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society, pushing herself to maintain top marks. Outside of her core studies, Jaclyn was a dedicated member of the marching band—an experience she notes as one of her most meaningful, teaching her profound lessons in discipline, teamwork, and artistry. Following graduation, Jaclyn plans to take a gap year to enter the workforce, gain practical experience, save money, and explore her evolving interests before finalizing her long-term university and career milestones.
