School board highlights Class of 2026: 592 graduates and millions in scholarship offers

Superintendent Dr. Wilkerson opened the board meeting by celebrating the Campbell County Public Schools Class of 2026 and by laying out district graduation data: "This year, Campbell County Public Schools graduated 592 students," and "Collectively, these students earned more than $3,000,000 in scholarship offers for their 1st year of post secondary education." He noted that when projected across four years those offers exceed $11,300,000.

Administrators from across the district introduced their schools' valedictorians and salutatorians. Miss Anderson introduced Nicholas Abbott (STEM Academy salutatorian), who plans to attend the University of Lynchburg and received a Lynchburg merit scholarship of $25,000 per year. The Brookville High School principal presented salutatorian Brianna (Gates scholar; plans to attend the University of Virginia) and valedictorian Parker Stanberry (Echols scholar and UVA finalist). Will Cartwright, principal of William Campbell Combined School, introduced valedictorian Lacey Cox and salutatorian Mikaela Isaacs, noting scholarship awards exceeding $104,000 for Cox.

District highlights included recognition of Early College Scholars, governor's school participants, STEM academy completers and AP distinctions. Dr. Wilkerson also reported that summer school enrollment had 718 students registered, with 396 elementary and 322 secondary students, and thanked staff and committee members for their work on the Teacher Learning Academy and other programs.

The board recognized retirees and staff contributions and members offered congratulations and local program updates. The district will continue to track postsecondary plans across the graduating class and support students' next steps.