Meet the Class of 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians from Osceola County high schools.
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Editor’s note: The Sentinel has published details for public and private school student honorees based on information provided by their institutions. Some schools did not provide information.
Also see: Lake County | Orange County | Seminole County
Celebration High School
Valedictorian: Clara Vazquez
Hometown: Celebration
GPA: 4.00 (4.75 weighted)
Accomplishments: Female OBC Academic Scholar of the Year, Prom Princess 2025, Varsity Swim Team Captain, Valedictorian, Marine Corps Female Distinguished Athlete Award, Rotary Club Scholarship Winner, Education Foundation Gold Scholarship Recipient, Celebration Foundation Scholarship recipient, IB Diploma Graduate, AP Scholar with Distinction award, Gold Seal of Biliteracy
Planned college: University of Florida
Inspirational quote: “Nothing worth having is easy.”
Gateway High School
Valedictorian: Carson Pham
GPA: 4.93
Hometown: Kissimmee
Accomplishments: Graduated 1 year early and earned an AA with 103 credits participated in dual enrollment with Valencia and UF.
Planned College: University of Florida
Inspirational Quote: “Your first loss is the best loss – because it takes what you thought you knew and leaves behind the strength you never knew you had.”
Salutatorian: Isabella Escudero
GPA: 4.64
Hometown: Kissimmee
Accomplishments: Graduated with an A.A degree maintained a 4.0 GPA, making the president’s list each semester at Valencia
Planned College: University of Central Florida
Inspirational Quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss
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Osceola High School
Valedictorian: Maryam Eshak
Hometown: Kissimmee
GPA: 4.0 (4.64 weighted)
Accomplishments: A.A. Degree, NHS Parliamentarian, Keyette Volunteer Coordinator, ARC Secretary, Valencia College A.A Degree
Planned College: UCF (Bio-Medical)
Inspirational Quote: “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, ‘I’m possible’.” – Audrey Hepburn
Salutatorian: Marco Alejandro Benavides Acosta
Hometown: Valencia, Venezuela
GPA: 4.00 (4.57 weighted)
Accomplishments: Drum Captain, National Honor Society President, All-County Honor Band, Regional Qualifier in Olympic Weightlifting, Valencia College – A.A. Degree.
Planned College: Florida A&M University Honors Center
Inspirational quote: “Walk on through the rain, though your dreams may be tossed and blown, walk on with hope in your heart, for you’ll never walk alone, you’ll never walk alone.” – Gerry and The Peacemakers
Poinciana High School
Valedictorian: Elizabeth Miller
Hometown: Kissimmee, FL
GPA: 4.0 (4.698 weighted)
Accomplishments: Earned the rank of Eagle Scout, Graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from Valencia College, Beginner artist and songwriter, Known for intellectual curiosity and a love of learning across disciplines,
Planned College: New College of Florida
Inspirational Quotes: “You can make anything interesting with the right question.” – Elizabeth Miller, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
Professional & Technical High School
Valedictorian: Leilani Marquez
Hometown: Rochester, NY
GPA: 4.0 (4.68 weighted)
Accomplishments: Leilani completed the Pharmacy Technician program at Osceola Technical College through high School dual enrollment. She ALSO completed 45 credits toward her AA Degree through Valencia College Dual Enrollment. All this in addition to her high school diploma achieving the Scholar and Industry diploma designations and graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors.
Planned college: She plans to continue Valencia College to finish her AA and transfer to the University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Inspirational quote: “You define your own life, don’t let other people write your script.” – Oprah
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