McCutcheon High School has named 13 students as valedictorians for the Class of 2026.

Students receiving the school’s highest academic honor are Owen Babiak, Dylan Bryan, Camille Gaddis, Mikayla Hammond, Ella Hathaway, Drew Jacobson, Kaiden Konkle, Lucas Learman, Sophia Lin, Aubrey Miller, Kaidynn Peckinpaugh, Ryleigh Scheumann and Emma Wykoff.

Of the 13 valedictorians, seven plan to attend Purdue University and study fields ranging from biomedical engineering to aerospace engineering. Others will attend Ball State University, Indiana University, University of Indianapolis, Missouri State University and University of Saint Francis.

The students say rigorous coursework and extracurricular opportunities throughout TSC helped prepare them for the next chapter.

“TSC has prepared me for my future by teaching me time management skills and allowing me to continue striving to learn,” says Owen Babiak, who plans to study aerospace engineering at Purdue.

Classmate Sophia Lin will also attend Purdue and study biology.

“TSC has prepared me by giving me the freedom and opportunity to make my own choices,” Sophia says. “The teachers have also taught me so much, both about the subjects they teach and life lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Kaidynn Peckinpaugh will play softball and study radiology at Missouri State University.

“TSC has prepared me for the future by teaching me responsibility, professionalism, communication and teamwork,” Kaidynn says. “Through hands-on experiences and real-world learning, I’ve gained confidence in my abilities and learned skills that will help me succeed in both college and my future career.”

The valedictorians will be recognized during commencement ceremonies June 7.

Pictured below: 
Front Row (L to R): Ryleigh Scheumann, Camille Gaddis, Sophia Lin, Ellah Hathaway, Kaidynn Peckinpaugh, Emma Wykoff, Mikyla Hammonds

Back Row (L to R):  Aubrey Miller, Andrew Jacobson, Lucas Learman, Kaiden Konkle, Dylan Bryan, Owen Babiak