On Wednesday, May 20, Sto-Rox students, families, staff, faculty, board members, alumni, and community members gathered in the Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School cafeteria to celebrate the Class of 2026 during Senior Awards Night.
The evening recognized seniors for the hard work, dedication, and growth they have shown throughout their high school careers. Students were honored for achievements in academics, athletics, clubs, leadership, and service to the community. Many seniors were also awarded scholarships to support their future educational goals. The program concluded with the presentation of the Valedictorian and Salutatorian trophies and stoles.
The district extends its sincere thanks to the families, friends, organizations, and community members who continue to invest in Sto-Rox students through scholarships, donations, and support. The district would also like to thank everyone who helped with the evening’s decorations, refreshments, award presentations, and words of encouragement for students and families. The generosity of everyone involved helps make opportunities like Senior Awards Night possible and encourages students as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
Scholarships, Awards, and Honors
Scholarships and Awards
Athletes of Action Scholarship: Jaliya Kerney, Marcus Griffin, Maurice Griffin
Rebound for Ryan Memorial Scholarship: Nevaeh Rodriquez
Edward F. Meyer IV Scholarship: Mubarak Salifu, Lila Dumas, Nevaeh Bocka
NEED Scholarship: Marcus Griffin, Jaliya Kerney, Jazlyne McGhee, Destiney Robinson, Mubarak Salifu
Community Leadership Scholarship: Kenneth Webster
Denise Zealous Community Service Award: Serenity West
John J. Rackley Memorial Scholarship, McKees Rocks Rotary: Lila Dumas
Three Rivers Youth Scholarship: Destiney Robinson, Mubarak Salifu
The Doo Wop Doctors Scholarship: Damian Encarnacion
Joseph Yevich Scholarship: Marcus Griffin
Lions Club Scholarship: Nevaeh Bocka, Lila Dumas, Nevaeh Rodriquez, Madison Schmitt, Kamiyah Thompson
*This is not a complete list of all scholarships earned by the Class of 2026.
Senior Subject Awards
Subject awards are given to students who show exceptional talent in each of the following subjects. These award winners have demonstrated throughout their high school careers a desire for knowledge and a respect for academics, proving themselves to be role models to their classmates.
English: Lysbeth McCombs
Social Studies: Madison Schmitt
Math: Jazlyne McGhee
Science: Kaysie Nagel
Business: Mubarak Salifu
Art: Kaysie Nagel
Concert Band: Marcus Griffin, Maurice Griffin
Chorus: Kristian Fuller
Senior Athletic and Club Awards
Athletic and club awards are given to students who show exceptional talent and leadership both on and off the playing field. These award winners are not only talented and strong, but they are also role models for the student body.
Football: Eric Richardson
Flag Football: Arianna Johnston, Kamiyah Thompson, Nynal Griffin
Volleyball: Brooklyn Sykes
Boys Basketball: Marquis Thomas
Girls Basketball: Allison Dotson
Baseball: Damian Encarnacion
Softball: Clarissa Gary
Cheerleading: Nevaeh Rodriquez
Color Guard: Iyana Lewis
Drum Captain: Lysbeth McCombs
Future Educators Club: Reign Boxley, Lila Dumas, Jaya Elerby, Jaliya Kerney, Destiney Robinson, Nevaeh Rodriquez, Madison Schmitt
Gold Pin Awards
Gold pins are awarded to students who earn all A’s for a full school year. This year, students were recognized for achieving this honor for one year, two years, and four years.
One Year: Lila Dumas, Marcus Griffin, Arianna Johnston, Jaliya Kerney, Brittany McGhee, Kaysie Nagel, Neveah Rodriquez, Dushawn Smith
Two Years: Neveah Bocka, Manfredo Nobile, Dimia Pendzich, Destiney Robinson
Four Years: Alira Hickman, Eric Richardson
Valedictorian and Salutatorian
These students have the highest academic standing in their class. The Valedictorian ranks first in the class, while the Salutatorian ranks second. Both students will speak during graduation.
Valedictorian: Eric Richardson
Salutatorian: Alira Hickman
We are so proud of the entire Class of 2026 and are excited to celebrate all students and their achievements during the commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29, at 7:00 p.m. on the Sto-Rox Jr./Sr. High School field, weather permitting. If the ceremony is held outdoors, there will be no limit to the number of guests who may attend. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to the gymnasium, where each graduating senior will receive four tickets. Regardless of whether the ceremony is held outdoors or indoors, a livestream link will be provided for those unable to attend in person.
