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As graduation weekend draws closer, we are taking time each day to celebrate the Class of 2026. These incredible seniors have reached remarkable milestones, created unforgettable memories and achieved so much throughout their final year of high school.

In the days leading up to commencement, we are highlighting the accomplishments, experiences and moments that make the Class of 2026 so special. Follow along on this blog and on our social media pages as we celebrate together!

Day 1 – Honoring Our Valedictorians and Salutatorians (June 5, 2026) 

 

On our final day of our Countdown to Commencement series, we're celebrating the academic achievements of the Class of 2026's valedictorians and salutatorians.

These exceptional students have distinguished themselves through years of hard work, dedication and academic excellence. In addition to their success in the classroom, they have served as leaders in their schools. 

Their accomplishments reflect not only their commitment to learning, but also the support of their families, educators and mentors who have encouraged them along the way. We are grateful for the teachers and staff who challenge, inspire and help our students reach their full potential.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians!

Cape Hatteras Secondary School

Valedictorian: Alaina Bonanni
Salutatorian: Eliska NuzzoFirst Flight High School

Valedictorian: Sarah Ward
Salutatorian: Emily Shephard

Manteo High School

Valedictorian: Meredith Gaskill
Salutatorian: Whitney Salazar-Gutierrez

Congratulations on this outstanding achievement. We are proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of you.

Day 2 – Celebrating the Memories of the Class of 2026 (June 4, 2026) 

With just two days remaining until graduation weekend, we're taking a moment to look back on some of the memorable moments that made the Class of 2026's senior year so special.

Throughout the year, these soon-to-be graduates showcased their school spirit, celebrated their many accomplishments and made lasting memories with classmates. From Homecoming and Prom to athletic events, performances, award ceremonies and senior celebrations, the Class of 2026 embraced every opportunity to make the most of their final year of high school.

One of the most meaningful traditions was the senior walkthroughs, where graduates returned to their elementary schools and were cheered on by the next generation of students. The year also included signing days, academic recognitions, end-of-year celebrations and countless moments shared with friends, families and educators.

As graduation approaches, we are reminded that some of the most cherished parts of the high school experience are the memories made along the way. We hope the Class of 2026 carries these friendships, experiences and traditions with them as they begin their next chapter.

Congratulations, seniors! Enjoy these final days of high school.

Day 3 – Celebrating our College of the Albemarle Graduates (June 3, 2026)

The Class of 2026 made history, setting a new district record for the most graduates to earn an associate degree or workforce credential before receiving their high school diploma. 

Through North Carolina’s Career & College Promise program, the following students took college courses while still in high school, allowing them to complete an associate degree or workforce certification at College of the Albemarle (COA) at no cost.

Cape Hatteras Secondary School senior Alaina Bonanni also earned COA’s President’s Cup at graduation. The President's Cup is COA's highest honor awarded to graduating students who demonstrate exceptional classroom excellence and meaningful service to the college and community. 

Earning a college degree or certification while completing high school requires a strong work ethic, perseverance and time management and are incredibly proud of these students and all they have accomplished. We’d also like to thank COA Liaison John Hunting for helping and supporting our students through this process. 

Congratulations to our graduates on this outstanding achievement!

Cape Hatteras Secondary School

Porter Hall, Associate in Arts 
Joseph Lettieri, Associate in Arts
Ezekiel Willis, Associate in Arts
Gabrielle Baker, Associate in Science
Alaina  Bonanni, Associate in Science
Eryn Ratliff, Associate in Arts
Josselin Velazquez, Associate in Arts
Kalynn Bock, Associate in Science
Eryn Ratliff, Certified Nursing Assistant Certification
Maya Sturat, Certified Nursing Assistant Certification
Christopher Myers, General Business Administration
Michelle Vazquez, General Business: Entreprenuership

First Flight High School 

Artica Danixza, Associate in Arts
Reagan Bembridge, Associate in Arts
Shaelin Boone, Associate in Science
Brooklyn Halloran, Associate in Arts
Saxon Heuneman, Associate in Science
Bianca Nason,, Associate in Arts
Misael Henriquez Perez, HVAC Technology Certificate Level II
Hanna Parrish, Associate in Arts
Parker Pierce, HVAC Technology Certificate Level II
Allison Roper, Associate in Science
Lincoln Sumner, Associate in Science
Sarah Ward, Associate in Science
Lila White, Associate in Arts

Manteo High School 

Haley Coleman, Associate in Science
Ruby Oviedo Gomez, Associate in Science
Whitnney Salazar-Gutierrez, Associate in Science
Sterling Wright, Associate in Science

Day 4 – Celebrating our Career and Technical Education (CTE) Graduates  (June 2, 2026)

 

Today, we’re proud to recognize 180 seniors across Dare County Schools who are graduating with CTE (Career and Technical Education) Pathways! 

To earn this distinction, students have completed four or more credits in a single CTE pathway, including at least one second-level course. Along the way, they've gained real-world experience, career skills, and industry-recognized credentials that give them a significant head start as they enter the workforce or pursue further education.

Dare County Schools offers CTE courses in the following career areas:

• Architecture and Construction
• Arts, AV Technology, and Communications
• Business, Management, and Administration
• Hospitality, Tourism, and Human Services
• Health Science
• Information Technology
• Aviation
• Work-Based Learning

These students have explored their interests, developed practical skills, and built a foundation for success beyond high school. Their hard work and dedication have prepared them to step confidently into their next chapter. Congratulations to all of our CTE Pathway graduates!

Cape Hatteras Secondary

Colton Allen, Adobe Visual Design 
Kayla Austin, Apparel and Textile Prod.,
Kamryn  Bacon, Entrepreneurship, Food and Nutrition
Daniel  Bateman, Adobe Visual Design, Food and Nutrition
Kalynn Bock, Health Science
Alaina Bonanni, Health Science
Christopher Bruner, Adobe Visual Design, Food and Nutrition, Carpentry
Giavanna  Caputo, Health Science
Everett Cooper, Adobe Visual, Carpentry
Ainsley Costello, Health Science
Karina De Lao Caldera, Apparel and Textile Prod., Food and Nutrition
Elle Everheart, Entrepreneurship
Hunter Ferguson, Adobe Visual Design, Entrepreneurship
Brody Frauenfeld, Carpentry, Marketing
Michael  Gavetti, Food and Nutrition
Porter Hall, Adobe Visual Design, Food and Nutrition
Averi  Hissey, Apparel and Textile Prod.
Audrina Huss, Adobe Visual Design, Food and Nutrition 
Joseph Lettieri, Adobe Visual Design
Jackelin Lucas-Lopez, Adobe Visual Design
Yoshie Mattos Silva, Apparel and Textile Prod.
Sarah Meekins, Adobe Visual Design, Health Science
Christopher Myers, Food and Nutrition
Eliska  Nuzzo, Entrepreneurship
Mackenzy O'Neal, Food and Nutrition
Owen O'Neal, Apparel and Textile Prod.
Estrella Olan-Campos, Health Science
Marko Ortega-Ancheta, Marketing
Guadalupe Palacious, Adobe Visual Design 
Kali Quidley, Adobe Visual Design, Marketing
Aiyana Quist, Food and Nutrition
Eryn Ratliff, Food and Nutrition, Health Science
Jackson Revere, Carpentry
Riley Richardson, Firefighter Technology
Samantha Schena, Food and Nutrition
Layne Scoffield, Carpentry
Ty Stephens, Carpentry, Food and Nutrition
Matthew Stowe, Carpentry, Food and Nutrition
Maya  Stuart, Apparel and Textile Prod.
Arturo Tirado Garcia, Health Science
Aria Vacha, Adobe Visual Design
Erik Valle German, Carpentry, Food and Nutrition
Josselin Valasquez, Food and Nutrition
Dalton Whipp, Carpentry, Food and Nutrition
Marina Whitley, Food and Nutrition, Health Science
Ezekiel  Willis, Food and Nutrition
Jude Wright, Adobe Visual Design, Marketing
Steve Wyatt III, Carpentry
Bryant  Zenteno-Luna, Marketing
Reece Zombro, Marketing

First Flight High School 

Jeffrey Aiken, Adobe Design
Makenna Aydlett, Health Science
Samuel Baldwin, Health Science
Jireh Benites-Polanco, Health Science
Shaelin Boone, Health Science
Alexandra  Brauer, Adobe Design
Fletcher Buen, Computer Science
Rodrigo Calletano, Adobe Design
Kai Cifers, Health Science
Weston Coleman, Adobe Design
Jack Cooper, Adobe Design
Ayden Costabile, Welding
Christopher Destefano, Entrepreneurship
Leighton Dutt, Entrepreneurship/ Health Science
Finn Engley, Health Science/ Aviation 
Jorge Flores Aguilar, Aviation
Opal Forbes, Adobe Design
Ella Francis, Adobe Design
Adrian Gonzalez, Health Science
Addison Greene, Computer Science
Kingston Haynes, Computer Science
Adysen Hedgepeth, Health Science
Misa Henrequez Perez, HVAC
Leilany Hernandez-Colon, HVAC
Hugo Hernandez-Ontiveros, Adobe Design
Emerson Hoggard, Health Science
Carver Iulo Abbitt, Welding
Abenezer Jastrzemski, Welding
Jordan Jones, Construction
Aristeos Kiourtzidis, Welding
Addison Knight, Health Science
Gwyneth Lawrenson, Adobe Design
Brooke Lovell, Health Science
Alexander  Lutz, Entrepreneurship
Chloe Lutz, Entrepreneurship
Lincoln Marshall, Welding
Colin Mayou, Construction
Django Meacham, Adobe Design
Abigail Miles, Adobe Design
Brody Moore, Adobe Design
Ryan Neal, Adobe Design
Gavin Phanton, Construction
Parker Pierce, HVAC
Noah Price, Entrepreneurship
Jefte Ramirez Santiago, HVAC
Fionn Reilly, Health Science
Molly Richards, Health Science
Connor Richardson, Health Science
Allison Roper, Health Science
Nelson Rosales-Argueta, Construction
Lola Rubino, Adobe Design
Marc Russo, Adobe Design
Madison Sampson, Health Science
Russell  Sarbora, Aviation
Jacob Schleiden, Adobe Design
Savannah Schnader, Health Science
Alexander Sharp, Aviation
Owen  Shields, Culinary Arts
Khalel Sibugan, Adobe Design/Aviation
Emma Siegel, Aviation
Addison Stanley, Health Science
Minna-Kate Thomas, Adobe Design
Asher Thompson, Adobe Design
Vincent Valdovinos, Electrical
William Van Riper, Construction
Sophia Vaught, Health Science
Landon Verner, Adobe Design
Jimmy Vicente-Paz, Entrepreneurship
Oliver Voronovitch, Health Science
Anthony Vucinovic, Culinary Arts
Joseph Waddington, Construction
Megan Ward, Health Science
Tyler Wilkerson, Welding
Ian Williams  , Computer Science
Laila Williamson, Adobe Design
Brody Woods, Adobe Design
Piper Wyant, Health Science

Manteo High School

Madison Abbott, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Kira Allsworth, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Dayanna Alonso-Fernandez, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Kayla Austin, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Ava Bridgers, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Talon Bryant, Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Natalia Buchta, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Jeremy Carrillo, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Scott Castaneda-Ramirez, Carpentry (CARP)
Amya Combs, Early Childhood Development and Services (EACH), Healthcare Professional (HPCP) and Marketing Management (MMGT)
Aiden Coronado, Carpentry (CARP), Food and Nutrition (FONU), Adobe Academy (ADAC)
Daniel Daniels, Carpentry (CARP)
Malachi Daniels, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Autumn Edging, Marketing Management (MMGT)
Francesca Evans, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
David Fisher, Marketing Management (MMGT)
Jada Flowers, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Logan Futch, Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Meredith Gaskill, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Grace Godwin, Travel and Tourism - TRTO/HOSP
Maylynn Griffin, Early Childhood Development and Services (EACH)
Adalay Grimsley, Adobe Video Design (AVID)
Ashlynn Hardison, Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Jaia Hardy, Healthcare Professional (HPCP) andFood and Nutrition (FONU)Ava Harris, Early Childhood Development and Services (EACH)
Annie Hernley, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)Wilson Hernandez-Lopez, Adobe Academy (ADAC)
Abiel Herrera Marcial, Food and Nutrition (FONU) and Adobe Visual Design (AVID)
Myrezza Holton, Marketing Management (MMGT)
Isabella Kazda, Carpentry (CARP)
Scarlett Lewis, Carpentry (CARP) and Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Savannah Martinez Scellato, Marketing Management (MMGT)
Ellie Muglia, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Alexander Ortega, Adobe Academy (ADAC)
Luanna Paz Rojas, Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Clemen Perez Martinez, Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Abril Ramirez Gonzalez, Food and Nutrition (FONU)
William Reed, Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Marianna Riley, Adobe Academy (ADAC)
Haylee Roughton, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Whitney Salazar-Gutierrez, Marketing Management (MMGT)
Erendida Sifuentes Hernandez, Marketing Management (MMGT)
Carys Stone, Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Emma Swiger, Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Jonathan Torres Rodriguez, Carpentry (CARP) and Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Cora Walker, Adobe Academy (ADAC)
Rebecca Walston, Adobe Video Design (AVID)
Payton Walston, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)Noah Wescott, Carpentry (CARP)
Mya Whiteside, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Edward Williams, Food and Nutrition (FONU)
Marla Woodson, Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
Josie Wright, Food and Nutrition (FONU) and Healthcare Professional (HPCP)
 

Day 5 – Honoring Our Seniors Entering Military Service (June 1, 2026)

With just five days remaining until graduation weekend, we are proud to recognize the members of the Class of 2026 who have chosen to serve our nation through military service. These graduates have committed themselves to a path of leadership, discipline and service to others.

As they begin the next chapter of their lives, we congratulate them on this significant achievement and thank them for their willingness to serve.

Cape Hatteras Secondary School

• Marko Ortega, Coast Guard 
• Steve Wyatt, Coast Guard 

First Flight High School

• Tyler Buchanan, Army
• Jorge Flores Aguilar, Air Force
• Karter Tucker, Coast Guard
• Jaxon Bailey, Air Force 

Manteo High School 

• Malachi Trustyn Daniels, Army
• Sifuentes Hernandez Erendida, Marines

Day 6 - Honoring the Student Advisors to the Board of Education (May 31, 2026)

 

On Day 6 of our Countdown to Commencement series, we’re celebrating the outstanding seniors who served as the 2025-26 Student Advisors to the Dare County Board of Education.

Now in its third year, the Student Advisor program continues to provide students with a meaningful opportunity to represent their peers and share student perspectives with board members and district leaders. These six seniors have served as thoughtful advocates, helping bring student voice to important conversations and decisions impacting our schools.

Their leadership, insight and dedication have made a lasting impact on Dare County Schools, and we know they each have bright futures ahead.

Life After Graduation:

• Alaina Bonanni, CHSS — Mississippi State University, Animal Science
• Estrella Olan-Campos, CHSS — East Carolina University, Nursing
• Jasmine Cook, FFHS — University of South Carolina Honors College
• Abby Miles, FFHS — University of Mount Olive Honors College
• Meredith Gaskill, MHS — UNC-Chapel Hill, Sports and Exercise Science
• Marla Woodson, MHS — NC State University, Sports Management

Congratulations and thank you to our student advisors for your leadership and service!

Day 7 - Celebrating the 2026 AVID Graduates (May 30, 2026)

 

As we continue our countdown to graduation, Day 7 is all about celebrating the 47 Dare County Schools seniors who are AVID graduates. AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a college and career readiness program designed to remove barriers and equip all students for future success.

Many AVID students received their AVID graduation honor cords during the annual AVID Catch and Release Ceremony held on May 18 at Jennette’s Pier. Upcoming AVID freshman are recognized, while the ceremony celebrated and released the AVID seniors into the world, where we know they will do amazing things. 

To graduate with AVID honors, students must:

• Have a weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Successfully complete 3 or more years of AVID
• Successfully complete senior year in AVID
• Participate in at least three extra-curricular activities (can be 1 each year)
• 60 hours of community service
• Complete the ACT
• Successfully complete 1 or more AP class (and exam) AND/OR community college dual enrollment course
• Complete AVID Data in myAVID senior year
• Be accepted into a two-year, four-year, trade school or the military

Whether they’re heading to college or launching a career, they leave high school with the tools and confidence they need to thrive. Congratulations to our AVID graduates!

Cape Hatteras Secondary School AVID Graduates

Porter Blair Hall, Nichole Garcia Rodriguez, Josselin Gomez Velasquez and Jude Bangel Wright

First Flight High School AVID Graduates

Violet Noelle Adams, Melina Zusett Alvarado Gonzalez, Danixza Saray Artica-Gomez, Jireh Sinai Benites-Polanco, Rodrigo Calletano, Skyla Morgan Drake, Jessica Alejandra Faulkner, John Michael Garay Martinez, Adysen Elizabeth Hedgepeth, Marvin Obed Hernandez Oliva, Brayden Shea Johnson, Jonah Patrick Lane, Edward Ryan Larson, Alejandra Trinida Lizama-Garay, Keit Lokaj, Angel Fernando Lopez-Perez, Japhet Isai Meija, Brody Townsend Moore, Jared De Jesus Morales Perez, Amanda Betzabet Ponce Borjas, Winston Micheal Rowe, Autumn Caroline Sailor, Madison Linnea Sampson, Janell Rose Sawyer, Aidan Matthew Tabolt, Jimmy Randy Vicente-Paz and Laila Marie Williamson

Manteo High School AVID Graduates

Leslie Johana Alvarez-Hernandez, Joslyn Amini Calvio, Breindel Etyan Escudero, Daniela Gonzalez-Tovar, Alexander James Haley, Kenneth Taylor Kitching, Aulander Leon Liverman, Johnny Lopez Hernandez, Savannah Martinez Scellato, Alexander Kenneth Ortega, Ruby Oviedo Gomez, Jennifer Sarahi Pena-Munoz, Xamara Perez-Chavarria, Erendida Sifuentes Hernandez, Maria Samantha Vasquez Dozal and Erlin Boanerges Zavala

Day 8 - Community Support - Local Scholarships (May 29, 2026)

 

Thanks to the generous support of the Outer Banks community, the Class of 2026 has received nearly $700,000 in local scholarships to support their future educational endeavors.

These scholarships reflect the incredible investment our community continues to make in our students and their futures. Beyond recognizing academic achievement, leadership and service, these awards help ease the financial burden many students face as they pursue higher education, technical training and career opportunities after graduation.

Each of Dare County Schools’ high schools recently hosted Scholarship Night celebrations to recognize student recipients and provide local organizations, businesses, families and donors the opportunity to personally present scholarships to the students whose lives they will impact.

These evenings are always a meaningful celebration, bringing together students, families, educators and community members to honor the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of our seniors.

Dare County Schools is deeply grateful to the many scholarship sponsors and supporters whose generosity helps open doors for our students.

Cape Hatteras Secondary School

Students who received local scholarships: 40 students 
Total scholarship value: $268,800

First Flight High School

Students who received local scholarships: 71
Total scholarship value: $223,201

Manteo High School

Students who received local scholarships: 39
Total scholarship value: $176,800

Day 9 - Watch Live: Graduation Live Stream Videos (May 28, 2026)

 

As we continue our graduation countdown with Day 9, we’re excited to share the live stream links for the Class of 2026 commencement ceremonies!

Whether you’re celebrating from nearby or tuning in from afar, family and friends can join the excitement live on the Dare County Schools YouTube channel. Can’t watch in real time? Recordings will also be available to watch later on our Youtube Channel at your convenience.

Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments, memories and bright futures of the Class of 2026!

• Watch Live: First Flight High School Class of 2026 Graduation Commencement
• Watch Live: Manteo High School Class of 2026 Graduation Commencement
• Watch Live: Cape Hatteras Secondary School Class of 2026 Graduation Commencement