Licking Heights Local Schools is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the Licking Heights High School Class of 2026.
This year, 402 students graduated from Licking Heights High School. As they prepare for their next chapters, these graduates leave Licking Heights with academic knowledge, workforce credentials, leadership experiences and real-world skills that position them for success in college, careers, military service and beyond.
“Our graduates are proof of what is possible when students are surrounded by caring educators, supportive families and a community that believes in their potential,” Superintendent Kevin S. Miller said. “The accomplishments of the Class of 2026 are a source of tremendous pride for all of us.”
The Class of 2026 achieved impressive academic milestones. This year, 88 students completed Advanced Placement coursework, while 16 students earned recognition as Advanced Placement Scholars after scoring a 3 or higher on at least three AP exams.
Students also earned 2,071 college credit hours while still in high school, with two students completing associate degrees before receiving their diplomas.
In addition, graduates reported earning more than $2.5 million in scholarship awards.
Career readiness remained a major focus for the district. During the 2025-26 school year, students earned 130 industry-recognized credentials.
The district also celebrated the accomplishments of 65 students who completed their junior and senior years at C-TEC of Licking County, where they received specialized career and technical training.
Among the year’s highlights was the success of Licking Heights’ Healthcare Careers program, an in-house partnership with the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County. Students earned credentials as certified nurse aides, certified EKG technicians and certified patient care technicians.
The district also completed the first year of several career pathways made possible through a $2.2 million Career Technical Education Grant awarded by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
Through these programs, students gained hands-on experience by operating the school’s Spirit Store and coffee shop, producing Hive Live – the district’s daily student news broadcast – and earning Google and Microsoft certifications through the Cybersecurity pathway.
Beyond academics and career preparation, members of the Class of 2026 recorded more than 15,227 hours of community service.
District leaders noted that these accomplishments are especially meaningful given the district’s efficient use of resources. Licking Heights continues to operate with one of the lowest per-pupil expenditures in Ohio, with 96% of Ohio school districts spending more per student. Despite this, the district has achieved the second-highest rate of academic growth in the state for two consecutive years.
“When people ask whether public schools are preparing students for the future, we believe the evidence speaks for itself,” Miller said. “The success of our graduates demonstrates that public schools continue to provide extraordinary opportunities and outcomes for students while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
District leaders expressed gratitude to the teachers, support staff, administrators, families, business partners, taxpayers and community members whose support helps make student success possible.
Licking Heights Local Schools congratulates the Class of 2026 and looks forward to seeing the impact these graduates will make in their colleges, workplaces, military units, communities and beyond.
Information submitted by Licking Heights Local Schools.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking Heights graduates celebrate strong year of achievement
Reporting by Special to Pataskala Standard, USA TODAY NETWORK / Newark Advocate
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Special to Pataskala Standard, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
