Louisville Municipal School District honors Class of 2026 valedictorians, salutatorians and star students

At the Louisville Municipal School District meeting, the board recognized valedictorians, salutatorians and star students from several district schools and celebrated athletic and academic milestones across the district.

The program opened with presentations of student honors. Louisville High School’s valedictorian, Cameron Skinny, was introduced as a scholar-athlete with a reported 4.46 GPA and as the recipient of the 2026 Lady Callahan Scholar Athlete Scholarship; presenters said he plans to attend Mississippi State University. Salutatorian and star student Bailey Malone was presented with a reported 4.28 GPA and an ACT score of 32; Bailey identified Ms. Mary Adams as her “star teacher,” crediting that teacher with encouraging her academic engagement.

Julie Granger, principal of Nanih Waiya Attendance Center, introduced Nanih Waiya valedictorian Aiden Evans. Granger said Evans has a district-reported numerical GPA equivalent listed as 104.8 (converted in the remarks to a 4.34) and an ACT score of 28, and noted he has earned more than 30 dual-credit college hours and plans to attend East Mississippi Community College to study business. Nanih Waiya salutatorian Kristen Barnhill was presented with a reported GPA equivalent of 101.6 (quoted as a 4.22) and an ACT score of 24.

Douglas "Doug" Larock III was introduced as Nanih Waiya’s star student with a reported GPA equivalent of 100.9 (4.41) and an ACT score of 29. Doug described his academic journey and credited a long-time teacher: "his name IS WEST WATKINS," he said when naming his star teacher, and recounted how that teacher’s support helped him join FFA and pursue leadership opportunities. Presenters said Larock has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy.

Gina Smith, principal of Neshoba Career and Technology Center, introduced salutatorian Summer Meredith, who was presented with a reported GPA of 101.98 and an ACT score of 25; Smith noted Meredith’s involvement in NAF, Beta Club and three varsity sports. Presenters introduced NAF Technology valedictorian Chance Curtis, reported with a GPA of 102.68 and an ACT score of 31; presenters said he plans to attend Mississippi State University and later law school.

During the superintendent’s report the district also highlighted extracurricular schedules and events: several girls’ softball and baseball teams advanced to first-round playoff play, third-grade testing had begun and the district is preparing for a wave of academic and athletic banquets. The superintendent announced a naming ceremony to honor Coach Nellie Nathan at the Louisville High School softball field (Abby Park) beginning at 5:45 p.m. on the day of the first-round playoff game.

The recognition segment concluded with photos and brief personal remarks by several students. The board’s meeting later moved into routine business (financial and consent approvals) and a procedural motion to enter executive session to discuss a student matter was approved. The board did not disclose details of the student issue during open session.

The district’s recognition of graduates and the timing of the naming ceremony reflect the district’s seasonal calendar of graduations, athletics and end-of-year events; parents and community members were invited to attend the softball-field naming prior to the playoff game.