The RCS Central School District would like to recognize the “Top Ten” students of the Class of 2026. These students have earned this honor based on their outstanding academic achievements, as reflected in their grade point averages (GPA) over the past four academic years.

Each year, we celebrate our “Top Ten” seniors not only for their academic excellence, but for the leadership, character, and legacy they’ve brought to RCS.

We asked them to reflect on their time and to share what’s next!
Here’s what they had to say about their time at RCS:

What is/was your favorite subject at RCS?

Chemistry

Was there a teacher who inspired you during your time at RCS? If so, what did they teach and at which school?

Mr. Brown at A.W. Becker

Do you have a favorite class memory?

Acting out Macbeth with Carina and Brady in Ms. Foley's class. 

If you could talk to your freshman self at this moment, what advice would you give?

I would tell myself to enjoy the moments with my friends and take more photos.

What is/was your favorite subject at RCS?

My favorite subject was AP Art and Design.

Was there a teacher who inspired you during your time at RCS? If so, what did they teach and at which school?

A teacher who inspired me was Ms. Wallace. I first met her when I was a freshman in Studio in Art. She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and helped me see my potential in the art field.

Do you have a favorite class memory?

Last year, I reunited with my friend from elementary school, and we went to Junior Prom together. We matched dresses and danced all night! 

If you could talk to your freshman self at this moment, what advice would you give?

This is a new and strange place, but it gets better, trust me. High school is so much better than middle school. 

What is/was your favorite subject at RCS?

Environmental Science

Was there a teacher who inspired you during your time at RCS? If so, what did they teach and at which school?

Mr. Miles, my High School Earth and Environmental Science teacher.

Do you have a favorite class memory?

Going to the Boston Aquarium for Environmental Science.

If you could talk to your freshman self at this moment, what advice would you give?

Don't bother with sports, work more, and focus on classes.

What is/was your favorite subject at RCS?

Biology

Was there a teacher who inspired you during your time at RCS? If so, what did they teach and at which school?

Mrs. Passmann and Ms. Cole. They have always let me be my authentic self, without judgement and have always been there for me whenever I needed it. 

Do you have a favorite class memory?

When we made Kool-Aid in Chemistry, with a substitute teacher. 

If you could talk to your freshman self at this moment, what advice would you give?

I would tell my freshman self to experience everything and try to make the most out of high school. It's really not that serious, and everything will work out how it's supposed to work out, so stop stressing yourself out so much. Keep working hard and focusing on yourself. 

What is/was your favorite subject at RCS?

The Arts and Music

Was there a teacher who inspired you during your time at RCS? If so, what did they teach and at which school?

Mr. Dobson, High School Band 

Do you have a favorite class memory?

Getting Gold with distinction at NYSSMA Majors in 10th grade band.

If you could talk to your freshman self at this moment, what advice would you give?

Do more things!

What is/was your favorite subject at RCS?

My favorite subjects at RCS were math and science.

Was there a teacher who inspired you during your time at RCS? If so, what did they teach and at which school?

One teacher who greatly inspired me was Ms. Caprio. I had her for all three years of English. She always pushed me to be the best me I could be. She wasn’t just my teacher, she was a friend, a supporter, and even a person of guidance. She helped me develop my love and passion for the medical field through research papers, essays, and readings. I will forever be thankful for the advice and knowledge she has bestowed upon me, and I wouldn’t be here without her help.

If you could talk to your freshman self at this moment, what advice would you give?

If I could talk to my freshman self, I would tell her that everything will work out in the end.

What is/was your favorite subject at RCS?

Science, specifically Physics 

Was there a teacher who inspired you during your time at RCS? If so, what did they teach and at which school?

Mrs. Foley, from the High School. She genuinely tries to make a connection with each of her students and truly cares.

Do you have a favorite class memory?

Playing among us in US History

If you could talk to your freshman self at this moment, what advice would you give?

Don’t stress about the little things - everything will be fine. 

What is/was your favorite subject at RCS?

English

Was there a teacher who inspired you during your time at RCS? If so, what did they teach and at which school?

Mr. Jaskolka, he taught science and math in the Middle School when I was in sixth grade. He helped me realize that I am smart and capable of doing well in school.

Do you have a favorite class memory?

Going to prom

If you could talk to your freshman self at this moment, what advice would you give?

I would say to find the joy in everything you do. School can be difficult in many different aspects, but if you try to find the good in each part, it gets better, and you appreciate it more. 

Responses not received at the time of publication.

What is/was your favorite subject at RCS?

Environmental Science and Economics

Was there a teacher who inspired you during your time at RCS? If so, what did they teach and at which school?

My 3rd grade teacher Ms Boehm, at Peter B. Elementary School. She is the teacher who made me love school and feel proud of my academic achievements. 

Do you have a favorite class memory?

In AP World, a classmate pulled a small prank. Let’s just say we spent a few minutes cleaning it up and laughing.

If you could talk to your freshman self at this moment, what advice would you give?

Do not worry so much about what others think, and to always be P.E. ready.

College

Mechanical Engineering

College

"After graduation, I'm going to study 2D and 3D animation to animate characters in cartoons. Someday, I will make my own animated TV show based on the graphic novels I plan to write."

College

"Working and attending Hudson Valley to become a CNC Machinist."

College

"I am attending Russell Sage College for nursing."

College

"Go to college and do what I love, and hope I stumble into a career!"

College

"After graduation, I plan on going to nursing school to become a NICU Nurse Practitioner."

College

Interior Design

College

"To teach elementary school."

College

Conservation Biology

Class of 2026 "Top Ten"
Missing from photo: Owen Smith

The year is not over yet! There are still memories to make, milestones to celebrate, and moments to cherish. Watch our “Top Ten” and the entire Class of 2026 as they complete their final chapters at RCS and step into the world beyond our halls.