Copperas Cove High School has announced the Top 10 graduates of the Class of 2026, recognizing the academic excellence, determination, and resilience of students who have earned the highest cumulative grade point averages in their class. These outstanding seniors will be honored during Senior Achievement Night on Thursday evening before they take their next steps into college and career pathways.
Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins praised the students for their commitment to excellence.
“Placing in the top 10 of any graduating class is no small feat, and I am incredibly proud of these students for the hard work and dedication they’ve put into their academic careers to earn this distinction,” Hawkins said. “Each one of them has already proven themselves to be among the best of the best, and I know they will all accomplish great things in their lives and represent the Bulldawgs with pride and dignity.”
Valedictorian – Marcus Wang
Wang credits long hours of studying and a willingness to push himself daily. “I tried to do more things and new things every day,” he said. “You take what you couldn’t accomplish before and apply it to the future.” Wang plans to attend the University of Texas at Dallas to pursue a degree in information technology.
Salutatorian – Ruhi Patel
Patel described her journey as challenging but rewarding. “It was bumpy at first, but I pushed through my struggles,” she said. She will attend the University of Texas at Austin to study computer science.
No. 3 – Courtney Addy
Addy embraced advanced coursework early on. “Your efforts don’t go in vain,” she said. “Every correction, every improvement—it all adds up.” She will study chemical engineering at Texas A&M University.
No. 4 – Logan Jones
Jones credits his parents for instilling discipline and academic focus. “My mom was always big on schoolwork,” he said. He plans to study animal science at Texas A&M University and pursue veterinary school.
No. 5 – Christina Fileccia
Fileccia balanced rigorous academics with involvement in multiple clubs. “It’s been time‑consuming but very rewarding,” she said. She will attend the University of Texas at Austin.
No. 6 – Jacey Campbell
Campbell challenged herself with advanced classes and sacrificed personal time to succeed. “It doesn’t matter where you start—if you stick with it, you can do it,” she said. She plans to study biology at the University of Texas at Austin and later attend veterinary school.
No. 7 – Diane Tantiangco
Tantiangco follows in her brother’s footsteps as a Top 10 graduate. “I’m really proud of myself,” she said. She plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington to pursue a career in pharmacy.
No. 8 – Alyssa Eade
Eade balanced demanding coursework with the pressures of college applications. “When I was busy, I was really busy,” she said. “But now that I’m in the Top 10, the stress doesn’t matter.” She will study communication sciences and disorders at the University of Texas at Austin with plans to become a speech‑language pathologist.
No. 9 – Tyson Hart
Hart worked toward this goal for all four years of high school. “I took a bunch of AP classes—everything I could—to get into the Top 10,” he said. He will attend Trinity University to study engineering.
No. 10 – Lane Ledger
Ledger climbed from 40th in his class to the Top 10 through determination and focus. “I knew I could do better, and I worked for it,” he said. He plans to study animal science at Texas A&M University and pursue veterinary school.
Copperas Cove High School will honor these students and the entire graduating class during Senior Achievement Night at 6:30 p.m. inside Lea Ledger Auditorium. The Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on May 22 at the Cadence Bank Center in Belton.
