For more than 30 years, The Ledger has honored the top scholar-athletes in Polk County and continues that tradition this year with an impressive list of 124 athletes who excelled in the classroom.
Lake Wales’ Keaton Kohl and Auburndale’s Ryleigh Turner were named the male and female scholar-athletes of the year. Both played multiple sports and were involved in community service along with keeping up a rigorous academic schedule, and there were certainly other student-athletes who received serious consideration for the honors.
These students played sports, took AP courses with many graduating with college credits along with being involved in other school activities and are true role models. Here is this year’s All-Academic team.
Boys Scholar Athlete of the Year
Keaton Kohl
School: Lake Wales.
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.732.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Golf (3), Varsity Soccer (2), Varsity Baseball (4).
Academic achievements: Night of Stars, Florida Athletic Coaches Association All Academic Award (Soccer), IB Diploma Candidate, College Board School Recognition Award, Bright Futures, Vires Scholarship, Sunshine Award, IB Diploma Scholarship, Highlander Student Athlete of the Month.
College plans: Florida State, majoring in economics and finance.
Girls Scholar Athlete of the Year
Ryleigh Turner
School: Auburndale.
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.715.
Sports participation (Yrs.): Competitive Cheer (4), Flag Football (4), JV Softball (1), Belles Dance Team,
Academic Achievements: Salutatorian, AA degree summa cum laude, Superintendent Scholar, NHS, Silver Garland Nominee, AP Capstone Scholar, HSF National Scholar, HOSA Regional & State Qualifier, Gates Scholar, Jack Kent Cooke Scholar, National Finalist, Horatio Alger National Scholar, Quest Bridge National Scholar, Elks Most Valuable Student Finalist, Ron Brown National Captain, Equitable Excellence Scholar, Hagan National Scholar, Coca Cola Semifinalist
College plans: UCLA to double major in Psychology and Political Science continuing to play Flag Football
All Saints
Isabella Ancaya
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.08
Sports participation (Yrs): Cross Country (2); Softball (4).
Academic achievements: Florida Academic Scholar, President’s Education Award recipient.
College plans: Florida State, Behavioral Neuroscience.
Laurette Bird
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.27.
Sports participation (Yrs): Cross Country (2); Track (2); Cheerleading (1).
Academic achievements: Florida Academic Scholar, President’s Education Award recipient.
College plans: Florida State, Biochemistry
Madeline Booker
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.45.
Sports participation (Yrs): Cheerleading (3).
Academic achievements: National Merit Commended Scholar, 99th percentile for ACT testers, Head of School Award recipient, Florida Academic Scholar, SGA Vice President, Lyceum Merit Scholar, National Ethics Bowl Competition runner up, President’s Education Award recipient, Citizenship Award recipient.
College plans: Georgia Institute of Technology, Neuroscience.
Franklin McLaughlin
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.62.
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer (4); Golf (1); Lacrosse (1)
Academic achievements: National Merit Finalist, Florida Academic Scholar, 99th percentile for SAT test takers, Lyceum Merit Scholar, AP U.S Government and Politics Subject Area Award winner, National Ethics Bowl Competition runner up, President’s Education Award recipient.
College plans: Georgetown University, Finance.
Taylor Nickerson
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.45.
Sports participation (Yrs): Softball (1).
Academic achievements: Florida Academic Scholar, Provisional Award of the Florida PEO Scholarship recipient, George Jenkins Scholar at Florida Southern College, Lyceum Merit Scholar, Theory of Knowledge Subject Area Award winner, President’s Education Award recipient.
College plans: Florida Southern, Political Science.
Mali O’Connor
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.23.
Sports participation (Yrs): Swimming and Dive (7).
Academic achievements: Florida Medallion Scholar, Silver Garland Semifinalist for Athletics, Lyceum Merit Scholar, Introduction to Film Production Subject Area Award winner, President’s Education Award recipient, Community Service Award recipient, American Legion School Award Winner.
College plans: University of Central Florida, Film
Ajay Soni
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.59.
Sports participation (Yrs): Swimming (5); Tennis (3).
Academic achievements: National Merit Finalist, Florida Academic Scholar, Silver Garland Semifinalist for Citizenship, SGA President, 99th percentile for ACT testers, Top 50% of AMC 12 Contest, Lyceum Merit Scholar, Performance Dance Subject Area Award winner, AP Computer Science Subject Area Award winner, AP Calculus BC Subject Area Award winner, President’s Education Award recipient, Citizenship Award recipient, Community Service Award recipient, Bassett Leadership Award recipient.
College plans: The University of Texas at Austin, Finance.
Jack Thornhill
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.43.
Sports participation (Yrs): Cross Country (2).
Academic achievements: Florida Academic Scholar, Lyceum Merit Scholar, President’s Education Award recipient, All Saints Academy Spirit Award recipient.
College plans: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Biomedical Engineering.
Auburndale
Sarabella Arciniega
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.445.
Sports participation (Yrs.): Cross Country (3), Track and Field (3), Basketball (2)
Academic Achievements: NHS, Superintendent Scholar, Top 20 all 4 years, ranked 10th in class.
College plans: Florida Gulf Coast and major in Exercise Science to earn Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Hagan Bennett
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.515.
Sports participation (Yrs.): Baseball (4), Golf (2)
Academic Achievements: Top 20 all four years, Superintendent Scholar, NHS, maintained 4.3 GPA and above (4).
College plans: Florida State to study Civil Engineering.
Carlee Bilbrey
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.543.
Sports participation (Yrs.): Sideline and Competitive Cheerleading (4), golf (1), softball (1).
Academic Achievements: AA degree, Superintendent Scholar, NHS, Top 20 in class (4), 7th in class, SGA Public Affairs officer & Social Media Manager
College plans: Florida State to major in Biology and later attend Veterinary school.
Alayna Hughey
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.707.
Sports participation (Yrs.): Cheerleading and Competitive Cheer (2).
Academic Achievements: Superintendent Scholar, Silver Garland Finalist, NHS, AP Scholar, College Board National Recognition Program, Miss AHS, Top 20 all 4 years
College plans: Florida State to major in Elementary Education.
Adisyn Leake
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.386.
Sports participation (Yrs.): Varsity Cheerleading & Competitive Cheerleading (4), Golf (2), Tennis (3), Softball (1).
Academic Achievements: NHS, AA degree, Superintendent Scholar, Top 20 all 4 years, Silver Garland Winner in Athletics, Junior & Senior Class President, Yearbook Editor, SGA Vice-President, FCA, HOSA, FBLA, State Champions High School Cheer, USTA All Star National Team and Miss Auburndale.
College plans: Florida State to major in Biomedical Science on the Pre-Med track to become an Orthopedic Surgeon.
Andy White
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.813.
Sports participation (Yrs.): Swim (4) / Weightlifting (2)
Academic Achievements: Valedictorian, NHS, Superintendent Scholar, Sunshine State Scholar, AP Capstone Diploma.
College plans: Florida International to major in Marine Biology.
Alyssa Wright
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.579
Sports participation (Yrs.): Weightlifting (3), Softball (4).
Academic Achievements: Top 20 all four years, Superintendent Scholar & 5th in class .
College plans: Florida Polytech for softball and major in Nursing.
Bartow
Jeremiah Alex
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.897 (4.034).
Sports participation (Yrs.): Track (4), Cross Country (3), Boys Wrestling (2).
College plans: Undecided.
Angie Cartagena-Beckford
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.766 (4.266).
Sports participation: Cheerleading (4).
College plans: LSU.
Ethan Brous
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.855 (4.181).
Sports participation (Yrs.): Football (4), Track and Field (1).
College Plans: Central Georgia Tech College.
Cooper Jenks
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.0 (4.766).
Sports participation (Yrs.): Track and Field (4).
Academic Achievements: SAT super score: 1490, ACT super score: 35; National Honor Society, Farmer Scholar (Florida Tech full-ride -Scholarship), National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, BESTT Top Scholar, National German Exam Goldurkunde Student, 2nd place Senior Division Championship Polk Scholastic Chess, Top Player Grade 12 Polk Scholastic Chess, Head of Schools Award for excellence in AP Chemistry, AP U.S. History, AP Calculus BC, IB World Religions, IB German 4, Bartow IB Honor Roll, Bartow Rotary Club 4.0 GPA Award, Certificate of Excellence for best overall achievement in IB CAS Project.
College plans: Florida Institute of Technology majoring in Chemical Engineering.
Lexi Kemp
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.809 (4.456).
Sports participation (Yrs.): Volleyball (4), Beach volleyball (2).
College plans: FSU majoring in Exercise Physiology.
Niva Patel
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.972 (4.746).
Sports participation (Yrs.): Girls Tennis (4).
College plans: University of Florida.
Maria Peoples
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.588 (4.235).
Sports participation (Yrs.): Girls Wrestling (4), Swimming (4), Tennis (1).
College plans: University of South Florida.
Davenport
Chiriath Morales-Orta
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.413.
Sports participation (Yrs): Cross Country: (4), Track: (3).
Academic achievements: High Honors with Distinction, Scholar Designation Recipient, Industry Designation Recipient.
College plans: College of Central Florida, majoring in Health Sciences and running cross country.
Fort Meade
Reaganne Berrien
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.00.
Sports participation (Yrs): Competitive Cheerleading, Weightlifting.
Academic achievements: National Honor Society.
College plans: Florida A&M.
Owen Harrell
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.452.
Sports participation (Yrs): Baseball (4).
Academic achievements: NHS, Salutatorian.
College plans: Florida Gulf Coast.
Noe Hernandez Morales
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.825.
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer.
Academic achievements: National Honor Society.
College plans: Florida Polytechnic.
Josiah Mitchell
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.984.
Sports participation (Yrs): Football, Weightlifting.
Academic achievements: National Honor Society.
College plans: Florida Polytechnic.
Mary Emily Grace Taylor
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.054.
Sports participation (Yrs): Softball (4), Competitive Cheer (4).
Academic achievements: National Honor Society.
College plans: Florida Polytechnic.
Destiney Throw
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.008.
Sports participation (Yrs): Volleyball, Basketball.
Academic achievements: National Honor Society.
College plans: Bethune-Cookman.
Frostproof
Nataly Palacios
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.2.
Sports participation (Yrs): Flag Football (3), Soccer (7)
Academic achievements: National Honor Society 6-12, Graduate of the top 10, Student Council 12th grade, Teen Trendsetters 9-10, FFEA 9-12, yearbook 11-12, FBLA 12 grade, Pep club 12.
College plans: South Florida State College.
George Jenkins
Brayden Abdon
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.05.
Sports participation (Yrs): Baseball (4).
Academic achievements: Robert Vanzahner scholarship, AP scholar, National Honor Society, Highest freshman GPA, Bright futures scholarship, Top 10 in class all 4 years, High honors with distinction, Superintendent Scholar.
College plans: Florida, Gator Design and Construction program.
Gabriel Bourque
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.0 (4.606)
Sports participation (Yrs): Swim Team (4), Track and Field (4)
Academic achievements: AP Capstone Diploma Candidate, GJHS Hugh O’Brian representative, Boys State most outstanding member of the House of Representatives, Sunshine Scholar STEM recipient, National Honors Society, Seven year Youth in Government delegate, Jerry May Scholarship recipient, 100% Bright Futures Scholarship, 300+ Community Service hours, 3x Superior with Distinction at State Band Solo and Ensemble, GJHS mathematics award 2024, GJHS engineering award 2026, Silver Garland award finalist, Dream Maker Band Drum Captain .
College plans: Gabriel will be attending the University of Florida double majoring in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Parker Buchholz
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.625
Sports participation (Yrs): 4 yrs
Academic achievements: 2025-2026 Science Department Award, National Honor Society, Phlebotomy Technician Certification, Patient Care Technician Certification.
College plans: Florida State, majoring in nursing with plans to attend graduate school after and become a Physician Assistant.
Jazlyn Duque
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.507
Sports participation (Yrs): Softball (4).
Academic achievements: National Honor Society; Maintained a 4.0 GPA and higher throughout high school; 2 scholarships for College; Graduating with Honors; Top 3% GJHS class (15th out of 534 student).
College plans: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture with a concentration in Animal Science then transitioning into a DVM program to obtain a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and begin career in clinical practice.
Lindsey Goodwin
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.557.
Sports participation (Yrs): Volleyball (4), Beach Volleyball (2).
Academic achievements: Class Rank 14th out of 534 students), AP courses 13, AP Capstone Diploma, College credit earned in high school (dual enrollment) 24 credits, George Jenkins Academy of Legal Studies Senior Scholar Award, National Honor Society (president).
College plans: Florida State, majoring in International Studies then planning to attend law school.
Jack Peterson
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.591.
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer (3).
Academic achievements: 12 AP classes over 4 years of high school.
College plans: University of North Florida to study kinesiology to further work with athletes.
Mia Overbaugh
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.05 (4.452).
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer (4).
Academic achievements: National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Superinterdent Scholar Award, Phlebotomy Certification, Patient Care Technician Certification.
College plans: Guildford College in Greensboro, N.C., double-majoring in Health Sciences and Public Health-Nursing.
Isabella Verschage
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.621
Sports participation (Yrs): Volleyball (4).
Academic achievements: 5th in class rank, 5.0 gpa award, academic History and English award
College plans: Santa Fe Community College then transferring to Florida for an architecture degree.
Kathleen
Brock Blackwelder
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.218.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Swimming (2), Golf (2).
Academic achievements: KHS Honor Student.
College plans: University of North Dakota.
Mattew Moran
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.200.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Basketball (2), Cross County (2).
Academic achievements: KHS Honor Student.
College plans: Marines.
Evelyn Abelino Solorzano
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.218.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Tennis (3).
Academic achievements: KHS Honor Student.
College plans: Undecided.
Lake Gibson
Brooke Devereaux
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.703.
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer (4).
Academic achievements: Top 20 GPA award (4), all A’s throughout high school, 4.0 unweighted GPA.
College plans: Florida Southern to earn her BSN and major in nursing.
Jordan Harrison
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.119.
Sports participation (Yrs): Wrestling (3).
Academic achievements: Graduated in top 20% of class of 2026, AEST Agricultural Biotechnology Specialist, AEST Animal Science Specialist, AEST Agriculture Systems Associates, AEST Agriculture Associates, ICEV BASF Plant Science.
College plans: No college plans but plans to transition into a leadership role in the family owned business.
Lily Harwell
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.529.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Softball (4), Varsity Weightlifting (2).
Academic achievements: Academic Excellence – 2022-2026, Certificate of Excellence in Community Service – 2025, Straight A Honor Roll – 2022-2025, Finalist for Silver Garland Scholarship – 2026.
College plans: Asbury University to major in Nursing while playing softball.
Nathan Hopkins
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.418.
Sports participation (Yrs): Football (1), Soccer (4).
Academic achievements: A/B Honor rolls all 4 years, Graduating with AA, Top 20 of class 10th-12th grade.
College plans: Apprenticeship at Southern Integrated Systems to be an electrician.
Angela Matos
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.254.
Sports participation (Yrs): Competitive cheer (2).
Academic achievements: Community service hours award; earned AA degree through Polk State College; PCT, CPT, and EKG medical certifications.
College plans: South Florida to study nursing and join the cheer team.
Cole Osborne
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.333.
Sports participation (Yrs): Baseball (4 yrs).
Academic achievements: Graduated with High Honors, top 30 class rank.
College plans: Travis Technical College, Energy Technician Program.
Alivia Urrutia
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.451.
Sports participation (Yrs): Sideline cheer (3), Competitive cheer (3).
Academic achievements: Earned Associate of Arts Degree from Polk State College and honored as “Summa Cum Laude”.
College plans: Enlisting in the United States Air Force.
Lake Region
Darian Avellaneda
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.14.
Sports participation (Yrs): Wrestling.
Academic achievements: Honors with Distinction, Superintendent Scholar.
College plans: Florida Polytechnic, majoring in Electrical Enginering.
Jeremy Harris-Gonzalez
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.01.
Sports participation (Yrs): Boys volleyball.
Academic achievements: Superintendent Scholar, Honors with Distinction.
College plans: Trade School foreman Electrician.
Josafat Tomas-Hernandez
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.11.
Sports participation (Yrs): Wrestling.
Academic achievements: Superintendent Scholar, Honors with Distinction.
College plans: Southeastern, majoring in Criminal Justice.
Maya Marist-Roque
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.87.
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer, Flag Football, Volleyball.
Academic achievements: Superintendent Scholar, High Honors, National Honor Society
College plans: Four-year college
Avery Sing
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.87.
Sports participation (Yrs): Swimming.
Academic achievements: High Honors, Superintendent Scholar.
College plans: Polk State, marketing.
Julie Vargas-Chavez
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.87
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer, Track.
Academic achievements: High Honors, Superintendent Scholar, National Honor Society.
Aysia Wells
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.23.
Sports participation (Yrs): Softball, Weightlifting.
Academic achievements: Superintendent Scholar, Honors with Distinction.
College plans: Four-year college
Aubrey Weymonth
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.16
Sports participation (Yrs): Volleyball (4), Track (3), Flag Football (1).
Academic achievements: Honors with Distinction, Superintendent Scholar, National Honor Society, Navy full-ride shcolarship.
College Plans: USF, Nursing.
Lake Wales
Madison Arthur
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.945.
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer (4), Golf (3), Archery (3).
Academic achievements: Honor roll for the entirety of her High School Career, Scholarships for College.
College plans: South Florida State College to be enrolled in their AS degree program for the Emergency Medical
Service program and will apply for the Fire Academy upon completion of the EMS program.
Katy-Grace Hixenbaugh
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.712.
Sports participation (Yrs): Cheerleading (4), Competitive Cheerleading (3).
Academic achievements: National Honor Society, IB Diploma candidate, Florida Academic Scholar.
College plans: Florida, majoring in interior design.
Konnor McGrath
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.771.
Sports participation (Yrs): Golf (4), Boys Lacrosse (1).
Academic achievements: Valedictorian, Completed AA degree,
College plans: Florida State pursuing hospitality management with an emphasis on global club management.
Abigail Roberts
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.602.
Sports participation (Yrs): Lacrosse (3) Softball (1), Volleyball (1).
Academic achievements: National Honor Society, Met Scholar designation requirements, LWHS Star Award, IB Certificate Candidate, High Honors with distinction (4 years), Recipient of the Lake Wales Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship, 200+ Community Service hours, Community Service Silver Medal graduation recognition.
College plans: Florida Polytechnic University.
Lakeland
Sydney DeVoe
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.388.
Sports participation (Yrs): Girls Weightlifting (4).
Academic achievements: High Honors with Distinction.
College plans: Willamette University, Oregon.
Hope Hallock
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.721
Sports participation (Yrs): Cross County (4), Girls Tennis (4).
Academic achievements: LHS Class of 2026 Valedictorian, High Honors with Distinction.
College plans: Will be attending the University of Florida
Brody Smith
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.622.
Sports participation (Yrs): Boys Soccer (3), Boys Volleyball (2).
Academic achievements: High Honors with Distinction.
College plans: University of Florida.
Lakeland Christian
Reid Freda
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.61.
Sports participation (Yrs): Baseball (2).
Academic achievements: Honor Roll Highest Honors, National Honor Society.
College plans: United States Air Force Academy, Aeronautical Engineering.
Emma Green
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.21.
Sports participation (Yrs): Cross Country (7), Tennis (3), Track and Field (2), Basketball (1).
Academic achievements: Honor Roll – Highest Honors, National Honor Society.
College plans: Cedarville University.
DJ Howard
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.92.
Sports participation (Yrs): Football (3), Basketball (3).
Academic achievements: Honor Roll, National Honor Society.
College plans: University of South Dakota, Sports Psychology.
Colton Pierce
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.20.
Sports participation (Yrs): Football (4), Lacrosse (2), Weightlifting (4).
Academic achievements: Class President, Honor Roll Highest Honors, National Honor Society.
College plans: Santa Fe College, transferring to the University of Florida
LaVon Pozar
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.69.
Sports participation (Yrs): Volleyball (3), Track & Field (3).
Academic achievements: Salutatorian, Honor Roll Highest Honors, National Honor Society.
College plans: University of Florida, Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
Micah Roloff
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.15.
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer (4), Lacrosse (1).
Academic achievements: Christian Leadership Award, Honor Roll Highest Honors.
College plans: Columbia International University
Issa Simpson
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.38.
Sports participation (Yrs): Basketball (4), Track & Field (3).
Academic achievements: VP of Communications, Honor Roll Highest Honors, National Honor Society.
College plans: University of South Florida.
Sarah Workman
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.40.
Sports participation (Yrs): Cross Country (4), Basketball (2), Track and Field (3).
Academic achievements: Honor Roll, National Honor Society.
College plans: Santa Fe College, transferring to the University of Florida.
McKeel
Mariana Kleinhenz Bonivento
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.436.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Volleyball (5).
Academic achievements: Highest Honors; EKG certified;
College plans: University of South Florida, majoring in Biomedical Sciences.
Cambelle Hubbard
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.63.
Sports participation (Yrs): Cheerleading (6), Track and Field (3).
Academic achievements: Dual Enrollment through Polk State College, Multiple Advanced Placement (AP) Courses, National Honors Society, Science National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, A Honor Roll since 7th grade, McKeel Teachers Award, 3 McKeel Outstanding Leadership Trophies, House Leader Award, President of Key Club, Senior Council Member, Student Council Member, Chi Alpha Mu Ambassador, Historian of NJHS at McKeel, Kiwanis Club Scholarship Recipient, Mu Alpha Theta, Math Counts Team.
College plans: Florida State to pursue pre-dental and become an orthodontist.
Lily Jonsson
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.05, 4.55.
Sports participation (Yrs): Swimming, Cross Country.
Academic achievements: Top 10 percent of my class, AP Scholar.
College plans: University of Florida, majoring in applied physiology and kinesiology on a pre-physical therapy track.
Brianna Lysak
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.67.
Sports participation (Yrs): Tennis (3).
Academic achievements: Outstanding Leadership, Outstanding Citizen, National Spanish Honor Society Treasurer, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, AP Psychology, AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP U.S. History, AP Calculus AB, AP Physics, AP Statistics, and Capstone. For 10 Dual Enrollment courses.
College plans: Florida State University for Chemical Engineering.
Mulberry
Isacc Alvarez Mendoza
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.592.
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer (4), Cross Country (3), Track (1).
Academic achievements: MHS Valedictorian, MHS Highest Grade Award in AP US History, AP Pre-Calculus, AP Environmental Science, National Honor Society Vice President.
College plans: Polk State College.
Mason Jones
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.75.
Sports participation (Yrs): Football (3), Weightlifting (3).
Academic achievements: Plans to attend trade school to become an electrician.
Makynzee Lewis
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.77.
Sports participation (Yrs): Volleyball (4), Weightlifting (4), Beach Volleyball (2).
Academic achievements: MHS Leadership.
College plans: Hillsborough Community College to become a dental hygienist.
Robert Mendoza
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.09.
Sports participation (Yrs): Cross Country (4).
Academic achievements: Professional Certificates in Solidworks, Photoshop, Adobe.
College plans: Hillsborough Community College before transferring to USF to major in Marine Biology.
Kelen Meyers
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.70
Sports participation (Yrs): Volleyball (3), Beach Volleyball (2).
Academic achievements: MHS Leadership.
College plans: Attend community college to major in Hospitality.
Alex Rodriguez-Colon
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.99.
Sports participation (Yrs): Weightlifting (4).
Academic achievements: Dual Enrollment, Honor Roll.
College plans: Polk State College.
Esmeralda Vazquez-Hernandez
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.35.
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer (4), Tennis (2).
Academic achievements: FBLA, National Honor Society, Take Stock in Children, MHS Leadership, Spanish Honor Society.
College plans: University of Michigan.
Ridgeview Global Studies
Carson Camp
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.171.
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer (5), Volleyball (1).
Academic achievements: Scholar Designee, 125 Community Service hours, PE Departmental Award recipient, Top 10 in Attendance, 52 College credits completed, Graduating Summa Cum Laude.
College plans: USF to study Liberal Arts.
Valesa Gashi
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.350.
Sports participation (Yrs): Flag Football (2), Varsity Volleyball (2), JV Soccer (1), Varsity Soccer (4).
Academic achievements: Scholar Designee, 132.5 community service hours, completed 33 hours of college credit, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
College plans: USF in the fall to pursue a degree in Sonography.
Sophia Joumad
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.623.
Sports participation (Yrs): Girls Soccer (3).
Academic achievements: Ridgeview Global Studies Academy’s 2026 Valedictorian, Bright Futures FAS (FL Academic Scholar) Scholarship, Scholar Designee, 708 Community Service hours, ELA Departmental Award recipient, Top 10 Attendance, 73 College Credits completed, Graduated Summa Cum Laude with her AA Degree from PSC, Graduating Summa Cum Laude/Valedictorian.
College plans: University of Florida in the fall to earn a degree in both Political Science and Finance and pursue a career in Corporate Law.
Garret Miller
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.228.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Cross Country (4), Varsity Boys Volleyball (1).
Academic achievements: Bright Futures FMS recipient (FL Medallion Scholar), Frier Family Scholarship recipient, PEF recipient, Scholar Designee, 922 Community Service Hours, Top 20 in Attendance, 43 College Credits completed, Graduating Summa Cum Laude, chosen as Ridgeview Academy’s Senior of the Year.
College plans: Florida International to study Parks & Recreation Management.
Lucero Ojeda
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.526.
Sports participation (Yrs): JV Competitive Cheer (1), Varsity Competitive Cheer (3).
Academic achievements: Bright Futures FAS (FL Academic Scholar) Scholarship recipient, FIU’s Merit Scholarship recipient, Scholar Designee, 478 Community Service Hours, 76 College Credits Completed, Graduated Magna Cum Laude with an AA Degree from PSC, Graduating Summa Cum Laude, Principal’s Excellence Award recipient.
College plans: Florida International to study pre-med with the goal of becoming an Obstetrician
Rachel Spor
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.589.
Sports participation (Yrs): JV Volleyball (1), JV Soccer (1), Varsity Soccer (4).
Academic achievements: Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholar Scholarship recipient, Scholar Designee, 535 Community Service hours, completed 68 college credits, graduated Summa Cum Laude with her AA Degree from PSC, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
College plans: First Ridgeview student to be accepted and commit to Florida State to dual-major in Finance and International Affairs with the goal to earn Master’s Degree in International Business.
Marwa Zaafane
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.328.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Soccer (3).
Academic achievements: Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholar Scholarship recipient, Scholar Designee, 268 Community Service hours, developed a community service project called “Bracelet Love Bonds” to help bring joy to children in hospitals by bringing them homemade bracelets, collaborated with HOSA and NHS to enlist more people to make the bracelets and was featured on the hospital’s social media pages, top 10 in attendance, 33 College Credits completed, graduating Summa Cum Laude, Principal’s Excellence Award recipient.
College plans: USF Nursing Program to pursue her goals of becoming a pediatric nurse or physician’s assistant.
Safaa Zaafane
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.224.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity girls soccer (3), varsity girls volleyball (2), flag football (1).
Academic achievements: Scholar Designee, 142 Community Service Hours, Top 20 in Attendance, 33 College Credits earned, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
College plans: USF to pursue a degree in Architecture for home design.
Santa Fe Catholic
Jacob Arenth
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.62
Sports participation (Yrs): Track and Field (2)
Academic achievements: National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, World Languages Honor Society, AP Scholar with Honor, 1510 SAT.
College plans: University of Florida; Majoring in Finance
Copeland Collany
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.5.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Volleyball (4), Varsity Soccer (4) , Varsity Tennis ( 4) , Varsity Basketball (1).
Academic achievements: AP Scholar, National Honor Society, English National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, Beta Club Peer Ministry
College plans: University of South Florida in the Fall, majoring in Exercise Science.
Payten Donnelly
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.52.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Volleyball (4), Beach Volleyball (4).
Academic achievements: Graduated Summa Cum Laude,
Academic Excellence Social Studies, National Honors Society, Science National Honor Society, National Language Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, National Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta National Math Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, World Language Honor Society.
College plans: Florida Southern College.
Katheryn Esterline
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.73.
Sports participation (Yrs): Soccer (4), Golf (2), Tennis (2).
Academic achievements: National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta honor society, Rho Kappa honor society, English National Honor Society, Beta Club.
College plans: University of Florida, studying Business Administration.
Arden Keyser
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.4262.
Sports participation: Soccer (4), Track (1), Softball
Academic achievements: National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society (treasurer), National bEta Club (preset), National English Hnor Society, My Alpha Theta, Quill and Scroll International Society, Rhode Island Kappa, Science National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, Student Goverment, Peer Ministry (vice chair), Active Minds, Summa Cum Laude.
College plans: Florida Gulf Coast for nursing.
Toby Michael Lane
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.29.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Basketball (4), Varsity Golf (2).
Academic achievements: 2026 Monsignor Martin B. Power Award (Excellence in Academics and Athletics), National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, National Social Studies Honor Society, Peer Ministry Leader.
College plans: Seton Hill University.
Jameson McGuire
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.4.
Sports participation (Yrs): Baseball (4).
Academic achievements: Rho Kappa, National Honor Society, English Honor Society.
College plans: Polk State College.
Aaron Walsh
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.66.
Sports participation (Yrs): Baseball (4).
Academic achievements: AP Scholar with Distinction, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, English Honor Society, BETA Club
College plans: University of Florida
Tenoroc
Izabel Fernandez
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.364.
Sports participation: Volleyball, Girls Weightlifting, Track, Girls Beach Volleyball.
Sports plans: Florida Southern.
Aubrey Lynch
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.625.
Sports participation: Volleyball, Girls Beach Volleyball.
Academic achievements: 2026 Class Valedictorian
College plans: Hillsborough Community College.
Arianna Wilson
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 3.789
Sports participation: Volleyball, Girls Weightlifting, Track, Girls Beach Volleyball.
College plans: Southeastern to study nursing.
Victory Christian
Brooke Bertsch
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.0833.
Sports: Cheerleading (4) Track & Field (1).
Academic achievements: Honor Roll, National Honor Society, High Honors with distinction, Bible Award (2), Economics (1), Environmental Science (1).
College plans: Southeastern University, Nursing (BSN) and Cheer Team.
Tucker Fox
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.111.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Football (2), Basketball (4)
Sports plans: Saint Anslem.
Payton Johnson
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.3.
Sports Participation (Yrs): Varsity Volleyball (4); Track (1).
Academic Achievements: Florida Medallion Scholar; High Honors with Distinction; National Honor Society; Honors Economics Most Outstanding Student Award; AP Scholar Award; Personal Finance Most Outstanding Student Award; Senior Student Class Golden V Award; Bailey Matthew Tilley Memorial Scholarship Recipient; Bobby Lane Cup Scholarship Recipient, 1083 Community Service Hours, National Honor Society Senior Class Vice President; Senior Class Officer, Chaplain; President of Christians United for Israel; Senior Captain, Varsity Volleyball.
College Plans: Southeastern University, medical science major.
Ella Lewis
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.5.
Sports Participation: Volleyball (4 years), Soccer (3 years), Track and Field (2 years).
Sports Awards: Honorable mention for Ledger’s soccer team, Anchor Award for soccer, Leadership Award for volleyball.
Academic Achievements: A Honor Roll, High Honors with Distinction, and President of the National Honor Society, Valedictorian, 455 hours of Community Service
College Plans: Southeastern University for a Nursing Degree.
Taylor Walker
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.2
Sports participation (Yrs): Cheer (2), Track (3).
Academic achievements: Honor Roll (4), National Honor Society (3), Graduated High Honors with Distinction, Principal’s Award, Silver V-Award, Culinary Award, Junior Seminar Award, Algebra 1 Award, Bible Award (2), Geography Award, Spanish Award, Government Award, Athletic Scholar (2), Class Officer: Treasurer, Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Student Leader, 600 Community Service Hours, Cheer Team Award, Track Team Award.
College plans: Southeastern University, biology major.
Peyton Willcut
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.3
Sports participation (Yrs): Football (1), Soccer (1), Cross Country (2), Track (4).
Academic achievements: Honor Roll, High Honors with Distinction (4 years), AP Scholar with Honor, Woodman Life American History Award Recipient Cumulative.
College Plans: Freed-Hardeman University, Physical Therapy Assistant major and running Collegiate Track.
Winter Haven
Peyton Bowers
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.607.
Sports participation (Yrs): Boys Weightlifting (4).
Academic achievements: Top 10% all 4 years, National Honor Society Junior and Senior year, AICE, Cambridge Distinction Diploma, Silver Cord for Community Service Hours, Honors Cord for GPA.
College plans: UCF to pursue a major in Cybersecurity pursue a minor Criminology or Criminal Justice.
Kylie Catrett
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.381.
Sports participation (Yrs): JV Volleyball (2), Weightlifting (1), JV Beach Volleyball (2), Varsity Volleyball (2), Beach Volleyball (2).
Academic achievements: Cambridge student, maintained over 4.0 all 4 years, National Honor Society, Top 10% of class, EKG certified.
College plans: University of North Florida to pursue a degree in Nursing.
Olivia Celiscar
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.03.
Sports participation (Yrs): Track and Field (4), Weightlifting (2).
Academic achievements: Member of the National Honors Society, graduate with high honors, completed and passed three AP courses, completed and passed 4 dual enrollment courses, CPR certificate, EKG completion, total of 488 community service hours.
College plans: Will major in biology/pre-med to later pursue a career as an anesthesiologist assistant.
Emily Drier
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.42.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Volleyball (4), Beach Volleyball (4).
Academic achievements: National Honor Society, 159 Community Service Hours, eight college courses as duel enrolled student, one AP course, one Cambridge course, 2 years of orchestra (played the violin since 5th grade), SERV SAFE certified, top 10% in class freshman year, graduated in the Top 12% of class, worked 7.5 hours a week during club and high school season.
College plans: Shorter University in Rome, majoring in Pre-Allied Health for a future career in healthcare while playing volleyball.
Kindyl Goff
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.05.
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Volleyball (4), Beach Volleyball (4).
Academic achievements: Qualified for National Honor Society, In the medical program for three years and certified in BSL and EKG.
College plans: Carson Newman, majoring in nursing and playing beach volleyball.
Serenity Hardy
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.353.
Sports participation (Yrs): Girls Basketball (4).
Academic achievements: Freshman Year A Honor Roll and Top 10% of Class, Sophomore Year A Honor Roll and Top 10% of Class, Certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Junior Year A-B Honor Roll and Top 10% of Class, Certified in Electrocardiograms and became an EKG Technician, Award Best Solo Announcer in the Polk County Video Awards, Senior Year A-B Honor Roll, Nominated for Central Florida’s Silver Garland: Athletics Category (for outstanding community service work, Total Community Service Hours 248 from young basketball program: Winter Haven Hoops Haven, Inducted into Winter Haven High School’s National Honors Society (NHS).
College plans: University of South Florida on a full academic and athletics scholarship, majoring in Exercise Science & Kinesiology: Strength & Condition (Sports Medicine) with a minor in Communications and playing women’s basketball.
Lauren Jordan
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.414.
Sports participation (Yrs): Basketball (4).
Academic achievements: Top 20%, graduating with highest honors.
College plans: Florida State, planning to study sports medicine.
Desirae Murray
Cumulative GPA (weighted): 4.07
Sports participation (Yrs): Varsity Basketball (1), Track and Field (4).
Academic achievements: Cambridge Ambassador President, National Honors Society President, Member of Key Club (since Sophomore year), Highest distinction with honors for my graduating class, Electrocardiogram Technician.
College plans: East Carolina, pursuing a bachelor’s degree before going to Dental School and running track and field.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Meet The Ledger’s 2025-26 All-Academic Team
Reporting by Roy Fuoco, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Roy Fuoco, Lakeland Ledger | USA TODAY Network
