2025 Academic Banquet recognizes top-performing students

Hampton City Schools (HCS) celebrated the academic achievements of students from its four high schools at the 2025 Academic Excellence Banquet, held at the Virginia Air and Space Science Center on May 22, 2025. These students were recognized for their dedication and hard work towards academic excellence. Dr. James Harris, chief academic officer of HCS served as host for the evening. School Board chair, Dr. Richard Mason delivered remarks, School Board Student representative Sophia Harris led the invocation, and chief of secondary leadership Shameka Pollard presented the student recognitions.

 

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.

 

Christian Washington, the 2024 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.

“The Academic Excellence Banquet is not just about recognizing top students—it is about celebrating the journey of learning and perseverance,” said Harris. “These scholars have demonstrated resilience, curiosity, and a drive for excellence that extends beyond the classroom. They represent the future, and it is inspiring to see the Portrait of a Hampton Graduate brought to life through their accomplishments.”

“It is an honor to recognize students who consistently impress with their intellect, hard work, and dedication to community service,” said Pollard. “They truly embody the qualities of the Portrait of a Hampton Graduate, and this celebration was a powerful reminder of the bright future ahead for each of them.”

 

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

Stephanie Adejayan

Michelle Chidiebere

Alicia Cooper

Madison Geimer

Saige Holden

Isabella Mendez

Marc Nguyen

JaMya Ribbon

Karina Stevens

Ava Tanner

Nguyen Van

Anthony Vu

Jennifer Vuong

Amirah Ward

Hampton High School

Mr. Haneef Majied, executive principal

Alena Bevard

Nirmani Brahmbhatt

Nishtha Brahmbhatt

Aaron Bunn

Seamus Card

Angela Chen

Angelina Christie

Noemi Flores

Helena Folkerts

Nhan Khau

Stephanie Ndukwu

Markos Pritchard

Austin Silva

Janiah Twine

Kecoughtan High School

Dr. Dwayne Lucas, executive principal

Lucy Brady

Jaris Crosby

Willard Davenport

Julia Diggs

Tony Hung Dinh

Lucas Gillott

Piper Gilly

Nghia Khau

James Klotz

David Lang

Lam Duy Le

Isabella Silva

Machiya Theodore

Cassidy VanSciver

Phoebus High School

Mr. David Coccoli, executive principal

Morenike Amussah

Robert Beach

Virginia Crawford

Addison Cwiak

Lumavie Feldt

Sasha Harris

Dante James

James Leimgruber

Kaleb Lucas

Nathan Smith

Owen Smith

Robert Staton, III

Charis Winder

Musie Yehdego

Congratulations to all of our outstanding academic scholars!

Click here to view the video of the event.