2026 Academic Banquet recognizes top-performing students

Hampton City Schools (HCS) celebrated the academic achievements of students from its four high schools at the 2026 Academic Excellence Banquet, held at the Virginia Air and Space Science Center on May 19, 2026. These students were recognized for their dedication and hard work towards academic excellence. Dr. Jennifer Thomason, director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment of HCS, served as host for the evening. School Board Chair Dr. Richard Mason delivered remarks, School Board Student representative Kaleb Lucas led the invocation, and chief of secondary school leadership Shameka Pollard presented the student recognitions. Superintendent Dr. Raymond L. Haynes shared closing remarks.

 

The top two students from the freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior classes from each school were recognized, as well as seniors with outstanding SAT and/or ACT scores.

 

Robert Staton, III, the 2025 graduate and valedictorian of Phoebus High School, was the guest speaker who returned to share his journey since graduating, offering insight into the transition from high school to college life. He reflected on the challenges and growth experienced during his first year of college, highlighting lessons learned, new opportunities, and the excitement of pursuing his goals beyond graduation.

“These young scholars have distinguished themselves through exceptional academic achievement, demonstrating remarkable dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. Their success did not happen by chance; it was built through hard work, resilience, and the daily habits that lead to growth both inside and outside of the classroom. We were proud to celebrate their outstanding accomplishments as well as recognize the families, teachers, and mentors who supported them along the way,” said Dr. Jennifer Thomason.

“Our students continue to demonstrate intelligence, resilience, talent, and determination in remarkable ways," said Shameka Pollard. “Hampton City Schools remains committed to preparing every student for success beyond graduation while celebrating the accomplishments and growth that define their journey today.”

 

Each of the following students were presented with an academic medal by their executive principal, assisted by School Board Chair Dr. Richard Mason and Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes.

Bethel High School

Dr. Tanya Howard, Executive Principal

Maria Bebawy

Alicia Cooper

Sienna Good

Ryann Hines

Saige Holden

Gavic Jordan

Marc Nguyen

Dhruhi Patel

Cerulean Sardinha

Karina Stevens

Ava Tanner

Demetris Vassilakopoulos

Jayden Veloz Javier

Hayden Whitlock

Hampton High School

Mr. Haneef Majied, Executive Principal

Jinae Alexander

Seamus Liam Card

Angela Chen

Angelina Christie

Anh Dang

Sulejman Fejzulla

Abraham Geremew

Allyson Goard

Milania  Huttonmills

Jordan Lang

Stephanie Oluchi Ndukwu

Landyn Sevigny

Janiah Twine

Raegan White

Kecoughtan High School

Dr. Dwayne Lucas, Executive Principal

Jennifer Bui Cao 

Jessica Bui Cao

Tony Hung Dinh

James Klotz

David Lang

Lam Duy Le

Kara Lucas

Kieran Mason

Wai-Yun Quach

Kieran Rolla

Isabella Silva

Rory Stanley

Machiya Theodore

Zoe Zou

Phoebus High School

Dr. David Coccoli, Executive Principal

Gabriella Banks

David Bourne

Caitlin Chapman

Virginia Crawford

Caylyn Dryden

Isaac Griggs

Jaelyn Harris

Kaleb Lucas

Aedan Miller

Aidan Mulcahy

Nathan Smith

Salome Tling

Maya Viau

Chanelle Ware

 

View the ceremony.