For 40 years, The News has saluted a group of Michigan’s best and brightest high school students in the spring of their senior year.
Partnering with CATCH — Sparky Anderson’s Charity for Children — we call it the Outstanding Graduates program.
It is an honor to share the stories of these remarkable young people and to consider that Michigan will benefit from their future endeavors, and the endeavors of so many of their friends and classmates.
The top seniors were chosen from a field of outstanding nominees. Public and private high schools in Michigan were invited to nominate students in each of 11 categories. Students were selected on the basis of grades, test scores, honors, community involvement and a demonstrated ability in one of the academic areas. In a special category called “Against All Odds” students were recognized for succeeding despite a physical hardship or special, personal or family challenges.
Final selections were made by panels of judges that included teachers, counselors and other academic specialists. The judges told us of their high regard for the many nominees and the difficulty in narrowing their choices.
Our thanks go to all of the principals, counselors and teachers who took time to nominate these students. Thanks also go to the judges who spent many hours selecting the finalists.
This is the 41st class of outstanding high school graduates honored by The News. Many of our early nominees are now well established in successful careers and raising children that may well be honored themselves someday soon. We salute their special achievements and extend congratulations to all of Michigan’s graduating seniors in the class of 2026.
Sincerely,
Gary MilesEditor and Publisher
Against all odds
Paul Stephens
High school: Grosse Pointe North
Parent: Kimberly Stephens
Colleges I’m accepted to: Wayne State University, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Western Michigan University, University of Detroit-Mercy, Michigan State University, Calvin University, University of Minnesota, and the United States Air Force Academy
College I plan to attend: Central Michigan University
Major: Law and economics
Career plans: Attorney
Most influential teacher: Mrs. Burnett
Achievements:
A quote about myself: Perseverance is my highest virtue; to become, you must first overcome.
Sponsor: Arrow Strategies
Jordan Thompson
High school: Michigan Connections Academy
Parent: Tamika Thompson
College I plan to attend: Lansing Community College
Major: Pre-medicine
Career plans: Pediatrician or veterinarian
Most influential teacher: Mr. Althoen
Achievements:
A quote about myself: I measure my success by how I rise, how I try, and how I treat others.
Sponsor: Arrow Strategies
Makenzie Thompson
High school: Flushing High School
Parent: Jeanette Thompson
Colleges I’m accepted to: Michigan State University, Hope College
College I plan to attend: Michigan State University
Major: Nursing
Career plans: Pediatric oncology nurse
Most influential teacher: Michelle Vanbuskirk
Achievements:
A quote about myself: The comeback is greater than the setback.
Sponsor: Arrow Strategies
Alexander Wilhelm
High school: Detroit Catholic Central High School
Parents: Alexis and Mark Wilhelm
Colleges I’m accepted to: Hope College, Michigan State University, University of Michigan
College I plan to attend: Undecided
Major: Kinesiology
Career plans: Surgeon
Most influential teacher: Mrs. O’Leary
Achievements:
A quote about myself: Through God you gain everything and lose nothing.
Sponsor: Arrow Strategies
Runners-up: Tori DePaulis, Harmoni Erving-Spencer, Danna Shkoukani, Zahrah Abdullah, Jessica Lockwood, Gabrielle Tohm, Cara Wencel, Michael Lavelle
Judge: Gail Strickland, director of special services, Westwood Community School District
Athletics
Joseph Reid
High school: Grosse Pointe South High School
Parents: Lori and Lawrence Reid
Colleges I’m accepted to: University of Michigan, University of Connecticut, Michigan State University, University of Vermont, Michigan Technological University
College I plan to attend: Undecided
Major: Engineering
Career plans: Undecided
Most influential teacher: Mrs. McCue
Achievements:
A quote about myself: The best way to end a day is to start a new one.
Sponsor: Detroit Lions
Jenna Shaban
High school: Detroit Country Day School
Parents: Nancy Afr and Robert Shaban
College I’m accepted to: Harvard University, University of Michigan
College I plan to attend: Harvard University
Major: Human biology, behavior and evolution
Career plans: Undecided
Most influential teacher: Ms. Nussbaum
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” — Howard Thurman
Sponsor: Detroit Lions
Runners-up: Micah Zacks, Maria Juzych, Olivia Jasniewicz, Brendan Beland
Judge: Daren Tomhave, assistant sports editor, The Detroit News
Health
Meriam Abdulsater
High school: Dearborn High School
Parents: Mae Awada and Hussein Abdulsater
Colleges I’m accepted to: University of Michigan, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Wayne State University, Central Michigan University
College I plan to attend: University of Michigan
Major: Biochemistry and public health
Career plans: A physician and health entrepreneur working to bridge socioeconomic disparities in health care through improved access to proper nutrition.
Most influential teacher: Mrs. Bazzi-Hijazi
Achievements:
A quote about myself: Don’t wait for someone else to fix what you can start building today.
Sponsor: Henry Ford Health
Isabella Lamley
High school: Adrian Madison High School
Parents: Sarah and Michael Beagle
Colleges I’m accepted to: Central Michigan University
College I plan to attend: Central Michigan University
Major: Biomedical science
Career plans: Physician assistant
Most influential teacher: Dr. Cichy
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” — Steve Jobs
Sponsor: Children’s Hospital of Michigan
Runners-up: Claire O’Neill, Jayse Nagy, Isaac Nordan, Kate Kiser
Judge: Van Momon, M.D., senior staff physician, retired, Department of Pediatrics, Henry Ford Health
Journalism
Winston Dietz
High school: Detroit Catholic Central High School
Parents: Anthony and Tiffany Dietz
Colleges I’m accepted to: University of Michigan
College I plan to attend: University of Michigan
Major: Chemistry
Career plans: Pharmaceutical chemist
Most influential teacher: Mr. Ianni
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” — Romans 12:11
Sponsor: The Detroit News
Hayden Schwartzenfeld
High school: Bloomfield Hills High School
Parents: David and Loren Schwartzenfeld
Colleges I’m accepted to: University of Michigan
College I plan to attend: University of Michigan
Major: Biology, health, and society
Career plans: Doctor
Most influential teachers: Ms. Matz, Mr. DuRoss, Mrs. Winkfield
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Sponsor: The Detroit Pistons
Runners-up: Noor El-Hajj, Magdalena Leonard, Jiwoo Park, Grace Kretschmar
Judge: Walter Middlebrook, foster professor of practice, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Pennsylvania State University
Language arts
Kathrine Beardsley
High school: Michigan Connections Academy
Parents: Cherish and James Beardsley
Colleges I’m accepted to: Cornerstone University
College I plan to attend: Cornerstone University
Major: Education and ministry
Career plans: Teacher
Most influential teacher: Mr. Noble
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!” — Jane Austen
Sponsor: MJS Packaging
Ada Gong
High school: Detroit Country Day School
Parents: Xuelei Chen and Chaodong Gong
Colleges I’m accepted to: University of Michigan
College I plan to attend: Undecided
Major: Molecular biology, public health, creative writing
Career plans: Medicine, health care
Most influential teacher: Mr. Matt Sadler
Achievements:
A quote about myself: Carpe diem!
Sponsor: Wolverine Solutions Group
Runners-up: Paityn Kosorski, Mercy Wisecup, Brooke Dorey, Sophia Augustine
Judge: Mary M Hall-Rayford, retired English adjunct professor
Mathematics
Matthew Dyson
High school: Detroit Country Day School
Parents: Greg Dyson and Wei Chen
Colleges I’m accepted to: Yale University, University of Michigan
College I plan to attend: Yale University
Major: Statistics and data science
Career plans: Data scientist
Most influential teacher: Mr. Johnson
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” — Abraham Lincoln
Sponsor: AAA Life Insurance
James Townsel
High school: Divine Child High School
Parents: Rosezella and Shannon Townsel
Colleges I’m accepted to: Michigan State University, Northeastern University in California, Wayne State University, University of Maryland
College I plan to attend: University of Michigan
Major: Electrical engineering
Career plans: Electrical engineering, quantum computing
Most influential teacher: Mr. David Swenson
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “The struggle to reach the top is itself enough to fulfill the heart of man. One must believe that Sisyphus is happy.” — Albert Camus
Sponsor: Huntington Bank
Runners-up: Charlisa Penzak, William Dong, Andrea Diaz, Keira Dumas-Knieper
Judges: Marianne Srock, mathematics consultant, Macomb Intermediate School District, retired; Scott Block, mathematics consultant, Macomb Intermediate School District
Performing arts
Corinne Alrawi
High school: Wylie E Groves High School
Parents: Athear and Amy Alrawi
Colleges I’m accepted to: UCLA, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Virginia, UC San Diego
College I plan to attend: Undecided
Major: Chemistry/biochemistry
Career plans: Physician
Most influential teacher: Mr. Rutherford
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” — Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Sponsor: Meade Lexus
Gabriel Lencioni
High school: Divine Child High School
Parents: Michael and Charlotte Lencioni
Colleges I’m accepted to: United States Air Force Academy United States Naval Academy, Bowling Green State University, Eastern Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan State University, Michigan Tech, University of Michigan, University of Michigan-Dearborn,Wayne State University, Western Michigan University
College I plan to attend: United States Air Force Academy
Major: Political science
Career plans: Fighter pilot, civics, photography
Most influential teacher: Mr. Paul Abbott
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11
Sponsor: Meade Lexus
Runners-up: Lillian Murdoch, Alexis Berman, Parker Williams, Gabriel Kelley
Judge: Garret Ernst, executive director, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association
Science
Jonnie Ketola
High school: Crystal Falls Forest Park
Parent: Joshua Ketola
Colleges I’m accepted to: Michigan State University
College I plan to attend: Michigan State University
Major: Biochemistry and molecular biology
Career plans: Undecided
Most influential teachers: Mr. Bryce Smithson and Mrs. Debbie Smithson
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Jane Goodall
Sponsor: Delta Dental
Megan Nadeau
High school: JC/LISD Academy
Parents: Tammy and Aaron Nadeau
Colleges I’m accepted to: Northern Michigan University, Lake Superior State University, and Western Michigan University
College I plan to attend: Northern Michigan University
Major: Fisheries and wildlife management
Career plans: Wildlife biologist or entomologist
Most influential teacher: Dr. Carley Kratz
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “Momento mori, Momento vivere” — The Romans
Sponsor: NFP
Runners-up: Connor Wilkes, Ethan Hays, Ali Shulaiba, Ahmed Ali
Judge: Elizabeth Secumski Reinhold, science consultant, Macomb Intermediate School District
Visual arts
Jenesis Brooks
High school: Wylie E Groves High School
Parents: Zakiyah and Jomar Brooks
Colleges I’m accepted to: Central Michigan University, College for Creative Studies, Michigan State University, Temple University, North Carolina A&T, Wayne State University, Kendall College of Art and Design, Bradley University
College I plan to attend: Central Michigan University
Major: Animation, digital design
Career plans: Animation, digital media
Most influential teachers: Mr. Fink, Mr. Wheeler, Mrs. Belf
Achievements:
A quote about myself: Originality isn’t about being different. It’s about being honest enough to show you actually are.
Sponsor: Children’s Foundation
Meera Dani
High school: Troy High School
Parents: Manjiri and Bhaskar Dani
College I’m accepted to: University of Michigan, University of Cincinnati, Purdue University, Michigan State University
College I plan to attend: University of Michigan
Major: Industrial design
Career plans: Pursuing industrial design to create human-centered products balancing form, function, and emerging technology to solve real-world problems.
Most influential teacher: Mrs. Tuma
Achievements:
A quote about myself: Sometimes, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes means being ready to go barefoot.
Sponsor: Detroit Tigers
Runners-up: Yelyzaveta Kotsiuba, Zoe Johnston, Erika Lutz, Madelyn Roy
Judge: Antone Amye, graphic designer, City of Detroit, Media Services
Vocational/Technical
Tyler Hampton
High school: Cass Technical High School
Parents: Verita Sain and Lamar Hampton
Colleges I’m accepted to: University of Michigan, Howard University, Michigan State University
College I plan to attend: University of Michigan
Major: Computer science and biomedical engineering
Career plans: To launch a biotechnology company in Detroit and other urban areas
Most influential teacher: Mrs. Ranesa Reese
Achievements:
A quote about myself: Even the possibility of achieving a new beginning is worth trying.
Sponsor: CATCH
Adam Schwab
High school: Fraser High School
Parents: Leo and Anna Schwab
Colleges I’m accepted to: University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Oakland University
College I plan to attend: University of Michigan
Major: Mechanical engineering
Career plans: Automotive engineering
Most influential teachers: Christina Vrzovski and William Justice
Achievements:
A quote about myself: I like turning ideas into things that actually work.
Sponsor: C.A. Hull
Runners-up: Tayla Steczek, Raneem Tlays, Fatima Faris, Alexandria Sims
Judge: Rodney G. Thomas, principal, Lamphere High School
World studies
Maria Juzych
High school: Academy of the Sacred Heart
Parents: Nadia and Mark Juzych
Colleges I’m accepted to: Northeastern University, University of Michigan, Villanova, University of Washington, Michigan State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Hope College
College I plan to attend: Michigan State University
Major: Human biology, and a minor in global public health and epidemiology
Career plans: Orthopedic surgery
Most influential teachers: Coach Paige Comito and Mrs. Gretchen Parks
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “When you start a new trail equipped with courage, strength, and conviction, the only thing that can stop you is you.” — Ruby Bridges
Sponsor: BorgWarner
Nadiyah Tarver
High school: Detroit Country Day School
Parents: Kishna and William David Tarver
Colleges I’m accepted to: UCLA, Harvard University, Columbia University, University of Michigan, Howard University, Spelman College, UC San Diego, Amherst College, WashU St. Louis, North Carolina A&T
College I plan to attend: Harvard University
Major: Cell and molecular biology and African American studies
Career plans: Neonatologist or perinatologist, cell biologist, head of World Health Organization, president of the United States
Most influential teachers: Mr. Brett Sidle and Mrs. Jennifer Geyman
Achievements:
A quote about myself: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?” — Marianne Williamson
Sponsor: Detroit Red Wings
Runners-up: Sofiia Molokova, Julia Berghea, Anthony Gennaro III, Fatme Khalil
Judge: Rodney G. Thomas, principal, Lamphere High School
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: 2026 Outstanding Graduates: Salute to Michigan’s top students
Reporting by The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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