KHS Announces Top 10 Students in Class of 2026

On behalf of Kingsley High School, I am extremely excited to announce, and congratulate, the Top 10 students in our Class of 2026: 

Anna Bauer

Braden Marsh

Sarah Wooer

Paige Lenon

Colton Goethals

Emilee Robinson

Katelyn Benett

Emily Bott

Corbin Bender

Mary Bauer

The Top 10 list reflects the school’s seniors with the highest grade point averages at the end of the first semester. 

It is a distinct honor for our students earning this award. These students have demonstrated their commitment to educational excellence during their time in Kingsley High School. These students pushed themselves in all of their classes, including advanced classes and programs.

They will be recognized during their commencement ceremony in June, with special recognition given to Valedictorian Anna Bauer and Salutatorian Braden Marsh. 

I had the pleasure of interviewing both students to hear about their future plans, and reflections on their time at KHS, read on to see more. 

Congratulations to our Top 10 and Class of 2026!

Valedictorian Anna Bauer

Q: What are your future plans?

I am deciding between attending the University of Michigan, Notre Dame, or University of Alabama. I would pursue Engineering at U of M or Notre Dame. I would study engineering or law at the University of Alabama. 

Q: What are your greatest accomplishments?

My greatest accomplishment in school is being the first National Merit Finalist. That National Merit Finalist is extremely selective and represents less than 1% of the top seniors. Outside of school, my greatest accomplishment was earning my pilot's license. 

Q: What will you miss most about KHS? 

I will miss the sense of closeness from such a small town. Kingsley has felt like a home more than a school.  

Q: What advice do you have fora freshmen? 

I wish people would have told me that you will be surrounded by others who are less motivated, and will criticize/undermine your goals. That will hurt, but don't let it stop you. Why settle when you can be the best version of yourself? You need to be willing to put in the work and do things that others aren't willing to do in order to reach your goals. You need to put yourself out there - the more opportunities you take, the more doors that are opened to you. It expands your horizon and puts you in a position to surround yourself with others who will further advance your thinking. 

Final Thoughts

I would like to thank Mrs. Olenchek. She was the big driving force to step in and support me. She has been a big help, not just for me, but for many other students planning out their future. Thank you to Mrs. Lewis. I love math and Mrs. Lewis is the reason why. She is passionate about her teaching. She builds connections, is supportive, helps, and genuinely cares about her students. Thank you to the entire Kingsley community for the consistent through, not only the hard times, but through all of the accomplishments. I would not be pursuing the things that I am pursuing without such a strong foundation behind me. 

Salutatorian Braden Marsh

Q: What are your future plans?

I’m between US Coast Guard Academy or Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I’d plan to study Marine and Environmental Sciences at the Coast Guard Academy along with being on the baseball or sailing team, since everyone in the academy must play a sport. If choose Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, I’d study to become an Air Traffic Controller and participate in ROTC on a scholarship. 

Q: What are your greatest accomplishments?

Being a Command Master Chief in our NJROTC program and receiving three congressional nominations to the service academy. Being in NJROTC has given me military experience, experiencing the rigidity of the military, and how I fit into it. Outside of school - joining the Traverse City Coast Guard Auxiliary is my greatest accomplishment because it has given me coast guard and military experience and how those values align with my character. 

Q: What will you miss most about KHS? 

I will miss having class times with friends. I know I will meet and make new friends, but class time with my current friends and baseball is what I'll miss about KHS. 

Q: What advice do you have for freshmen?

Find out what you want to do and stick with it. Make yourself the best person to be fit for that job.

Congratulations, Anna and Braden, and the entire Class of 2026!