Hampton City Schools announces top students in the Class of 2026 at Phoebus High School

Kaleb Lucas – Valedictorian

Kaleb Lucas is an exceptional student leader whose academic excellence is reflected in his outstanding 4.69 GPA. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Virginia Peninsula Community College, demonstrating a strong commitment to scholarship. Kaleb serves as the student representative to the Hampton City School Board and as class president for the Phoebus High School Class of 2026, a role he has held since 2022. He also contributes as an intern advisor on the executive board of the Hampton YMCA Leaders Club, showcasing his dedication to service and youth leadership. In addition, Kaleb is the drum major for the Phenomenal Marching Phantoms, leading with discipline and pride, and is actively involved in the Hampton-Newport News Kappa League and the Virginia Youth Civics & Leadership Association Model General Assembly. As an Academies of Hampton ambassador, Kaleb represents his school with excellence, embodying leadership, service, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in his community.

Kaleb was accepted to over 20 colleges including, but not limited to, Christopher Newport University, Coppin State University, Fisk University, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Tuskegee University, North Carolina Central University, Virginia Wesleyan University, Bethune Cookman University, University of Virginia, and William & Mary. He has decided to attend North Carolina A&T State University and major in political science. After college, he plans to attend law school to become a civil rights attorney and work to become Virginia's first African American in the United States Senate.

Fondest high school memory:
“My favorite high school memory is the winter senior trip to Massanutten.”

A tradition at school you will miss:

“A tradition at my school that I will miss is being on the field for Phoebus' homecoming as a drum major.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“I am most proud of being named a February One Scholar at North Carolina A&T State University on a full academic scholarship.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“Hampton City Schools provides the opportunity to gain proficient skills in your prospective career field, while providing various volunteer and civic engagement opportunities. The love of the Hampton City Schools family is seen through its attention to every student and their academic journey.”

If you could thank a teacher who had the greatest impact on you, who would it be and why?

“I would like to thank Dr. Sales for pouring into me as an educational mentor and helping me to run my podcast, The 757 Connection, during my freshman and sophomore years. She has truly assisted through the high school journey and showed me the power of consistency.”

Caitlin Chapman – Salutatorian

Caitlin Chapman is an accomplished and well-rounded student who excels academically with an impressive 4.67 GPA while demonstrating leadership, service, and dedication across many areas. A standout athlete, she competes in travel volleyball with the Virginia Wave Volleyball Club and serves as both captain and co-captain of the Phoebus High School varsity volleyball team. Caitlin is also deeply committed to her community, volunteering at the Willow Oaks Branch Library and serving as both an advisory board member and volunteer with the Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads. At school, she is an academy ambassador and the secretary of the National Honor Society, reflecting her strong leadership and organizational skills. In addition, Caitlin works as a Surfrider employee, serves as a USA Volleyball bookkeeper, and provides childcare as a babysitter. Her diverse experiences highlight her responsibility, work ethic, and commitment to making a positive impact both in and out of school.

Caitlin was accepted to 15 colleges to include, but not limited to, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, and William & Mary. She has decided to attend Virginia Tech and major in environmental conservation and society. After graduation she says she will seize all opportunities and see where the wind takes her.

Fondest high school memory:
“On the first day of spring this year, I went out with a bunch of friends to the patio for my academy. We spent the block chatting, coloring, and relaxing in the warm weather. It wasn't anything crazy, but that day is one I fondly remember.”

A tradition at school you will miss:

“My favorite 'tradition' from high school that I will miss is playing cards when the end of the school year hits and we've run out of work to do. Having that chill time to hang out with classmates and have fun is something I have always cherished.”

An achievement you are most proud of:

“I am extremely proud that I played varsity volleyball all four years of high school and served as captain for the last two. Even though I had burned out and wanted to quit, I stuck it out for my team and taught myself that I was more determined than I had previously thought.”

I am proud to be an HCS graduate because:

“I am proud to be an HCS graduate because we do incredible things with less resources than other local districts. People visit from around the country to experience our academies and see us pursuing our passions in high school, despite the fact that there are much bigger schools with higher enrollments and budgets just thirty minutes down the road. Our determination, strength, and adaptability are all qualities that make me proud.”

If you could thank a teacher who had the greatest impact on you, who would it be and why?

“I would like to thank Mrs. Singleton, my 9th grade English teacher, for giving me a safe and calming space to go to all throughout high school. From the first day of freshman year, she always made an effort to be as welcoming as possible, which has not gone unnoticed by myself and the many other high school students who continue to visit her classroom each year. She has always cheered me on and supported me, and I am thankful that her class was the first to greet me at Phoebus.”

Click below to learn more about Kaleb and Caitlin.

Kaleb Lucas

Caitlin Chapman