It’s officially commencement season in Livingston County for the Class of 2026. To celebrate, The Daily contacted local districts for more information about valedictorian and salutatorians to share with our readers.
A school’s valedictorian is the graduating student with the highest grade point average. A salutatorian represents the next-best GPA.
Of note, Hartland High School doesn’t name a valedictorian or salutatorian — instead creating a top-ten list. Those students are Leilani Chyo, Michael Elliott, Madelyn Gutzeit, Ryleigh Harris, Andrew Kruger, Duncan Laibly, Daphne Pargulski, Alexandria Pruden, Sylvia Rogers and Jack Tenbusch.
Brighton High School
Ari Hickman, Valedictorian
GPA: 4.5
College: University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science and the Arts’ Honors Program
Field of Study: Public Policy and French
Ari, 18, is the daughter of Sean and Megan Hickman. She was recently named the state’s representative for the 2025 Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference Michigan and is a five-time Michigan Interscholastic Press Association Honoree. Her favorite school subject is English. (Of note: Hickman is also a longtime freelance journalist for The Daily.)
Zach Wyderko, Salutatorian
GPA: 4.444
College: University of Michigan
Field of Study: Engineering
Zach, 17, is the son of John and Liz Wyderko. He was all-state in cross country and finished in seventh place in the ASBE Engineering Design Competition. His favorite school subject is AP Chemistry, and his hobbies include running and building and flying drones.
Fowlerville High School
Maria Beach, Valedictorian
GPA: 4.09
College: Hope College
Field of Study: Biochemistry
Maria, 18, is the daughter of Larry and Julie Beach. She’s a National Advanced Placement Scholar, a multi-sport four-year recipient of the Capital Area Activities Conference All-Academic Award, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Her hobbies include hiking, running and working with ceramics.
Anna Horne, Salutatorian
GPA: 4.08
College: Ferris State University
Field of Study: Criminal Justice/Legal Studies
Anna, 18, is the daughter of Laura Clark, stepfather Nate Clark and father Trevor Horne. She’s a member of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar Awardee and winner of the Woodbridge N. Ferris Founder’s Scholarship. Her hobbies include hiking, thrifting and working as a barista.
Howell High School
Katelyn Clark, Valedictorian
GPA: 4.154
College: University of Michigan
Field of Study: Biochemistry
Katelyn, 18, is the daughter of Patrick and Yvonne Clark. She received high honors for four years, was a marching band section leader, and lead in theater production for 2025 and 2026. Her favorite school subject is science. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, rollerblading and crocheting.
Jaxon Zwart, Salutatorian
GPA: 4.124
College: University of Michigan
Field of Study: Mechanical Engineering
Jaxon, 17, is the son of Allen and Debbie Zwart. He’s an AP Scholar with Distinction. His favorite school subject is math. His favorite school memories are participating in powderpuff football, or else playing Catan and Monopoly during flex period and only ever winning twice.
Pinckney Community High School
Griffin Peltier, Valedictorian
GPA: 3.985
College: Yale University
Field of Study: Political Science and Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies
Griffin, 18, is the son of Scott and Margaret Peltier. He’s president of ACT2 Theater Company, Mock Trial and National Honor Society. He’s one of two student members of the PCS Community Engagement Committee. Griffin’s favorite school memory is joining ACT2.
Colin Ozias, Salutatorian
GPA: 4.0
College: University of Michigan School of Engineering
Field of Study: Robotics Engineering
Colin, 18, is the son of Christopher and Kimberly Ozias. He participated in the Aluminum Armada FIRST Robotics Team, Scouting America, Marching Band, Mock Trial and We The People. His favorite high school memory was band camp.
Kensington Woods Schools
Kate Belcher, Valedictorian
GPA: 4.06
Future Plans: Peace Corps or Michigan Technological University
Kate, 17, is the daughter of Raleigh and Elizabeth Belcher. She earned a varsity letter in track and field, volleyball and academics. She’s also a member of the National Honor Society and the High Honor Roll. Her favorite school subject is band.
Alex Belcher, Co-Salutatorian
GPA: 4.03
College: Northern Michigan University
Field of Study: Creative Writing
Alex, 17, is the son of Raleigh and Elizabeth Belcher. He’s earned more than $300,000 in scholarships, was placed four times on the High Honor Roll, and earned varsity letters in basketball, cross country and academics. He was also a basketball team captain. Alex’s favorite school subject is English.
Tyler Phillips, Co-Salutatorian
GPA: 4.03
College: Lawrence Technical University
Field of Study: Engineering
Tyler, 17, is the son of CJ and Jenny Phillips. Throughout his high school career, he remained on the High Honor Roll. He also received an elite scholarship and men’s soccer scholarship from Lawrence Tech University, an annual total of $29,000. Tyler has earned varsity letters in basketball and cross country. His favorite school subject is math.
— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on X @SalsaEvan.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Meet the valedictorians, salutatorians of Livingston County 2026
Reporting by Evan Sasiela, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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