Abilene ISD honored the top graduates of the Class of 2026 during on-campus ceremonies Wednesday morning, recognizing students whose hard work and dedication have set them apart throughout their high school years. This year’s top graduates are preparing for futures in engineering, education, nursing, business, science, music, and more.
View more photos from the Honor Graduate award ceremonies here.
Abilene High School
Valedictorian: Anson Cobarruvias, University of Texas, Physics
Salutatorian: Ethan Barriga, University of Texas, English
Anson Cobarruvias and Ethan Barriga earned top honors for Abilene High School’s Class of 2026. Both are headed to the University of Texas this fall, with Cobarruvias planning to study physics and Barriga majoring in English.
From his experience under the Friday night lights, to learning opportunities in his AP capstone class, Cobarruvias reflected on the people who helped lead him to success on the field and in the classroom.
“Mr. McGee, Ms. McAnally, and Mr. Alstrom were the most impactful teachers for me,” Cobarruvias said. “They made learning enjoyable and helped shape my love for physics. What I’ll remember most about Abilene High is the school spirit, the people, and how much support I found here.”
ATEMS
Valedictorian: Evan Lozano, Texas A&M University, Marine Engineering Technology
Salutatorian: Shelby Dixon, Texas Tech University, Business Management
ATEMS recognized eight top graduates from the Class of 2026, with Evan Lozano and Shelby Dixon earning the highest honors. Lozano plans to attend Texas A&M University and major in marine engineering technology, while Dixon will attend Texas Tech University and major in business management.
Lozano looked back on the years of effort that led to his success, including how his experience at ATEMS prepared him for the next chapter of his life.
“Today is a direct representation of all the late nights I’ve spent and a compilation of the past 13 years,” Lozano said. “ATEMS gave me a different mindset and a set of skills that prepared me for college. It’s a school that really pushes you to grow, and I’m grateful for the way it prepared me for what comes next.”
Cooper High School
Valedictorian: Sontee Vinson, University of Texas, Mechanical Engineering
Salutatorian: Vorevann Seng, Medical School, Neurosurgery or Emergency Medicine
Cooper High School also recognized its Top 25 graduates Wednesday morning, with Sontee Vinson and Vorevann Seng earning top honors for the Class of 2026. Vinson plans to attend the University of Texas and major in mechanical engineering, followed by a master’s degree in astrophysics, with dreams of working for NASA. Seng plans to attend medical school and specialize in neurosurgery or emergency medicine.
Vinson is a member of Super Crew, the AISD superintendent’s student advisory group, as well as the Cooper student council. She attributes her success at Cooper High School to the academic and leadership experiences available to her.
“What helped shape me most was my family and the support they gave me through all of my late-night study sessions,” Vinson said. “Cooper High also gave me opportunities to grow through student council, and my trip to Chinle, Arizona, was especially impactful.”
Graduation Ceremonies
Abilene High School: Friday, May 22 at 8 p.m.
Cooper High School: Saturday, May 23 at 8 a.m.
ATEMS: Saturday, May 23 at 10 a.m.
All ceremonies will be held at Shotwell Stadium. Graduation ceremonies will also be streamed through AISD Live on Facebook, YouTube, and at aisdlive.org.
ABILENE HIGH SCHOOL TOP 25
Student, college destination, major
Anson Cobarruvias, University of Texas, Physics
Ethan Barriga, University of Texas, English
Mary Lowe, Belmont University, Music Therapy
Paradice De Martini, University of North Texas, Ecology
Ray Rivera, Abilene Christian University, Computer Science
Alice Anne Riley, University of Texas, Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Luke Jackson, University of Texas, Public Health
Logan Hackney, Abilene Christian University, Nuclear Engineering
Layla Robinson, American University of Paris, Journalism
Claire Bone, Baylor University, Nursing
Hannah Bryant, Missouri University of Columbia, Elementary Education
Kaiden Lindley, Abilene Christian University, Nuclear Engineering
Jackson Liske, EMT school, Firefighter
Riley Crowe, Texas A&M University, Business Administration
Levi Huddleston, Abilene Christian University, Kinesiology
Allison Bennett, Texas A&M University, Accounting
Cass Scott, St. Edwards University, Biochemistry
Zoey Wallace, Abilene Christian University, Speech Pathology
Olivia Weatherford, Abilene Christian University, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Grace Eason, Abilene Christian University, Theater and Psychology
Rheauna De La Garza, Seminole State College, Biology
Duke Decker, Paramedic School, Firefighter
Gabriela Lopez, Hardin-Simmons University, Pharmacy
Faith Tedford, Texas Tech University, Nursing
Syke Marsh, Tarleton State University, Pre-Veterinary Medicine
ATEMS TOP HONORS
Student, college destination, major
Evan Lozano, Texas A&M University, Marine Engineering Technology
Shelby Dixon, Texas Tech University, Business Management
Mattye Straughn, Abilene Christian University, Digital Entertainment Technology
Daniel Cortinez, Belmont University, Music Education
Conner Cory, University of Texas at Austin, Civil Engineering
Samantha Dacanay, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Biomedical Engineering
Ryan Osborn, Tarleton State University, Education
Aiden Clawson, Texas A&M University, Business Management
Robert Havens, Texas Tech University, Mechanical Engineering
Kyrrah Pohl-Cardinal, Tarleton State University, Wildlife Ecology
COOPER HIGH SCHOOL TOP 25
Student, college destination, major
Sontee Vinson, University of Texas, Mechanical Engineering
Vorevann Seng, Medical School, Neurosurgery or Emergency Medicine
Krizza Verdida, Abilene Christian University, Business Management
Sarah Hudson, Texas A&M University, Biomedical Sciences
Holly Burris, University of Texas at Austin, Biology
Amelia Rockett, Pepperdine University, Musical Theatre
Isis Salazar, Texas Tech University, STEM field
Katie Solis, Abilene Christian University, Accounting
Hazel Harris, Tarleton State University, Biology
Nadia Garza, University of Texas at Austin, Biology
Sara Morgan Bryan, Texas Tech University, Accounting
Kenneth Heck II, Texas A&M, Air Force
Justin Palacios, Texas A&M University, Mechanical Engineering
Eliza Friend, Brigham Young University, Psychology
Jasmine Ituarte, Hardin-Simmons University, Psychology and Human Development
Sydney Cripps, Texas Tech University, Counseling
Jasiah Pequeno, Abilene Christian University, Nursing
Elijah Estrada, Texas A&M University, Architecture
Natalia Savella, Baylor University, Biology
Ariana Diaz, Texas A&M University, Animal Science
Brylee (Happy) Loftin, Abilene Christian University, Pre-Med, Biomedical Science
Lily Muzechenko, Texas Tech University, Nursing
Kason Rosario, University of Texas at Arlington, Sports Management
Ariyanna Boyd, United States Air Force
Riley Goodman, Mechanic