Rome City School District honors top graduates at June meeting

The Rome City School District Board of Education on June 15 adopted a series of resolutions honoring the top 10 graduates of Rome Free AcademyClass of 2026 and presented certificates to student board members.

Board members read and approved individual commendations recognizing Elijah Pomales as valedictorian (reported GPA 101.88) and Samuel Comey as salutatorian (reported GPA 101.56), along with acknowledgments for Kennedy Campbell (100.83), Brianna Benoy (100.32), Timothy Hill (100.18), Allison McGawan (100.14), Luke Pelton (99.97), Emma Picket (99.80), Julia Fedett (99.40) and Miley Wyatt (98.83). Several resolutions directed the clerk to spread the commendations in the meeting minutes; motions to approve were moved and seconded as noted on the agenda and each motion carried.

Chair introduced the recognitions and invited honorees to the front of the room. The chair noted that Elijah Pomales will enter the U.S. Air Force Academy next week and that the board had presented him his diploma earlier. Student board members Ariel and Joanna were presented certificates recognizing their service for the July 1, 2025June 30, 2026 term.

Student representative remarks following the honors reflected on end-of-year events including senior ball and grad walk and thanked the board for its support. "Im so proud of my entire class and all that they have achieved," the student representative said, and reminded the public that RFA graduation rehearsal is June 26 at 9:00 a.m. with the ceremony at 6:00 p.m.

The board moved from the commendations into its regular agenda after the presentations. The clerk was directed to include the resolutions in the official minutes.