New Smyrna Beach High School’s Class of 2026 walked the stage at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach on May 28, leaving with diplomas and memories.
The class was comprised of 385 Cudas, of which 121 earned scholar designations. Here’s a look at some of the New Smyrna seniors’ achievements.
College and career readiness
The class’s college and career acceleration rate was 87%, a metric measuring graduates who have completed coursework or earned credentials demonstrating readiness for postsecondary education, the workforce or military. Seven New Smyrna graduates will enter the military.
Valedictorian and salutatorian
The class valedictorian is Caleb Lewis, and salutatorian is Madison Hancock. New Smyrna Beach students earned 19 associate of arts or associate of science degrees through dual enrollment in college. Meanwhile, four Cudas earned the Florida Seal of Biliteracy and 35 achieved the Florida Seal of Fine Arts. Students have received nearly $1.5 million in college scholarships.
Industry designations
Some 237 industry scholar designations were achieved, while the class amassed 23,939 hours of community service. Seven New Smyrna Beach graduates will enter the military.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: See New Smyrna Beach Class of 2026 get their diplomas
Reporting by Mark Harper, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

