Cincinnatus Class of 2026 Top Ten
In a small school where hallways feel like home and classmates feel like family, the Cincinnatus Class of 2026 has spent the last 12 years growing-up side by side. From elementary classrooms to senior year milestones, the journeys they have shared will last far beyond graduation day.
Among them, the top ten students of the class have stood out not just for their academic achievements, but for the impact they’ve made on their school community.
Three members of the top ten were unavailable the day we met, but their presence and contributions have still helped shape this class into what it is today.
For those we were able to catch up with, the future is already taking shape.
Valedictorian Penelope Gardner is heading to the University of South Florida to study Medical Biology, with plans to become a physical therapist.
Salutatorian Madison Stover will join the US Army Reserves with plans to attend the College of Charleston SC in 2027
Lynette Kuster will attend SUNY Cortland for Biomedical Science on a path toward becoming a physician assistant.
Madelyn Pittsley is also bound for SUNY Cortland, pursuing Physical Education and a future as a teacher.
Payton Gerrard will continue her journey at OCC, studying Physical Education while playing softball.
Isabella is taking her talents to Johnson & Wales University to study Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage.
Draven plans to attend SUNY Cortland for Business Administration and Healthcare Financial Management, with the goal of becoming a hospital CFO.
Gabriella will head to Alfred University to study Art and Design.
Grace Taylor will attend SUNY Broome Community College for Radiology and Health Science.
Sadie Warner plans to attend Lemoyne College to study nursing.
While their paths may differ, their reflections on Cincinnatus are strikingly similar.
They’ll miss the everyday moments—seeing the same faces in the halls, the friendships built over more than a decade and the tight-knit community that made the school feel like home.
For Penelope, it’s “all the memories and time with friends who grew up together.” Lynette shared how hard it will be “not seeing everyone you’ve seen every day for the last 12 years.” Others echoed the same sentiment—missing the closeness, the routines, the sports teams, spirit weeks, dances, and the comfort of a place where everyone knows your name. For Draven it is about finding and staying at a school where he thrived.
As they prepare to move on, they also leave behind advice for those following in their footsteps:
Enjoy the time you have.
Have fun with your friends.
Do what makes you happy and don’t worry about what others think.
Stay on top of your work—it all adds up.
Don’t take it for granted.
Don’t stress too much.
Step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
It’s simple advice, but it carries the weight of experience.
The story of the Cincinnatus Class of 2026 isn’t just about rankings or accomplishments—it’s about connection. It’s about growing up together, supporting one another, and stepping into the future with confidence.
And while their next chapters will take them in different directions, one thing is certain:
They will always be Cincy Lions.