The Class of 2026 Top Scholars were honored Monday, May 18, 2026 during the district’s annual Top Scholars Dinner & Celebration.
Representing the highest academic achievers in the graduating class, this year’s Top Scholars earned an impressive cumulative average GPA of 4.39, reflecting years of hard work, perseverance, and academic excellence.
This year’s Top Scholars are:
• Vladislav Kabaev
• Madison Lantz
• Evan Ramirez
• Kayla Dolney
• Brandon Chan
• William Cicchella
• Ingeyla Ghori
• Abigail Muma
• Lauren Peterson
• James Weadock
• Trevor May
• Ajitesh Ravula
Vladislav Kabaev – GPA: 4.508
Valedictorian Vladislav Kabaev will attend the University of Michigan this fall. Vlad earned numerous Career and Technical Education certifications in cybersecurity, networking, Python, and web development, while also being recognized as an OAA Scholar Athlete. He was involved in the National Technical Honor Society, Avondale’s AI Taskforce, varsity tennis, and varsity swim throughout high school. Outside of school, Vlad volunteered by helping elderly neighbors with yard work throughout the year. He selected Martin Ballard of Avondale High School as his honored educator.
Madison Lantz – GPA: 4.500
Salutatorian Madison Lantz will attend the Honors College at Oakland University. Madison earned recognition as an OU Distinguished Scholar, Scholar Athlete, and MHSAA Academic All-State honoree. She was deeply involved in Avondale’s music and arts programs as a clarinet section leader in marching band, member of Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, and performer with the Avondale Theatre Company. Madison also volunteered as a tutor at Auburn and R. Grant Graham Elementary Schools and supported the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. She selected Mary Nofs of Avondale Middle School as her honored educator.
Evan Ramirez – GPA: 4.483
Evan Ramirez will attend the University of Michigan this fall. A three-time Scholar Athlete and National College Board School Recognition Award recipient, Evan served as president of the National Technical Honor Society and competed in varsity tennis and varsity volleyball. His volunteer work included supporting his church community, Oakland Hope Thrift Store and Food Pantry, Avondale concessions, tutoring, and Strides Against Breast Cancer initiatives. Evan selected Garrick Baker of Avondale High School as his honored educator.
Kayla Dolney – GPA: 4.482
Kayla Dolney will attend Oakland University after earning her Associate’s Degree through Avondale’s Early College program before graduating high school. Kayla received the Oakland University Golden Presidential Scholarship, Outstanding Technical Achievement Award, and multiple scholar-athlete recognitions. She participated in the National Technical Honor Society, varsity swimming, varsity bowling, and completed a two-year internship through Avondale’s Business Meets Avondale Internship Program. She selected Jennifer Dolney of Avondale High School as her honored educator.
Brandon Chan – GPA: 4.460
Brandon Chan will attend the University of Michigan. Brandon was recognized as a USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad Qualifier and combined his passion for mathematics with athletics as a member of Avondale’s varsity cross country team. Outside of school, he competed with the Motown All Stars math team and served as co-captain of the Michigan All Stars Team for the American Regions Mathematics League. Brandon selected Alexandria Bosanac of Avondale High School as his honored educator.
William Cicchella – GPA: 4.438
William Cicchella will attend Michigan State University this fall. William earned several prestigious academic honors, including AP Scholar with Honor, Outstanding Artist of the Year, and recognition as an MSU Alumni Distinguished Scholarship Commended Semifinalist. He served as vice president of the National Technical Honor Society, participated in NHS and Class Board, and captained the boys volleyball team. Outside of school, William volunteered with Beans to Bags. He selected retired AHS teacher Richard Kreinbring as his honored educator.
Ingeyla Ghori – GPA: 4.432
Ingeyla Ghori will attend Wayne State University after earning an extraordinary list of science and academic recognitions, including International Science & Engineering Fair Finalist honors, the Office of Naval Research Naval Science Award, and the USAID International Development Science Champion Award. Ingeyla also earned multiple science fair awards and recognition in fine arts ceramics. She served as president of the Muslim Student Association and participated in HOSA, the Rare Disease Awareness Club, and Red Cross Club. Her volunteer work included tutoring English and math and serving as a volunteer Al-Quran teacher. Ingeyla selected Ashton Blakemore of Avondale High School as her honored educator.
Abigail Muma – GPA: 4.410
Abigail Muma will attend Michigan State University, where she will participate in the Honors College and Lyman Briggs Residential College. Abigail earned numerous academic and athletic honors, including AP Scholar recognition, All-League and All-District honors in soccer and volleyball, and the Professional Assistantship at MSU. She served on Class Board, Women’s Health Alliance, and Red Cross Club while captaining both the varsity soccer and varsity volleyball teams. Outside of school, Abigail competed in club soccer and volleyball and volunteered with the Michigan Animal Rescue League and Rochester Hills Humane Society. She selected Vanessa Wentzloff of Avondale High School as her honored educator.
Lauren Peterson – GPA: 4.360
Lauren Peterson will attend Indiana University Bloomington this fall. Lauren earned AP Scholar honors along with certifications in professional communication, entrepreneurship, small business, and generative AI. A dedicated student leader, she served as vice president and president of Class Board and NHS service initiatives while captaining both varsity competitive and sideline cheer teams. Outside of school, Lauren danced competitively for 12 years and remained active in her church youth group. She also volunteered as a tutor for elementary and high school students. Lauren selected Kathleen Osborn of Avondale High School as her honored educator.
James Weadock – GPA: 4.320
James Weadock will attend the Honors College at Michigan State University. James earned certifications in Python, networking, and security while serving as Strategy Lead and Lead CNC Operator for the RoboJackets Robotics Team. Outside of school, he spent nine years participating in Rising Phoenix Archery and currently competes in the Competitive Advantage Program. James selected James Sheppard of Avondale High School as his honored educator.
Trevor May – GPA: 4.270
Trevor May will attend the University of Michigan after earning the prestigious Evans Scholarship, which provides full tuition and housing. Trevor also received multiple CTE certifications, was named a RoboJackets Dean’s List Award nominee, and earned MHSAA All-League and Scholar Athlete recognition. He participated in RoboJackets Robotics, Forensics, varsity tennis, and varsity bowling, serving as co-captain for both athletic teams. Trevor also completed more than 30 hours of volunteer service each year through various organizations. He selected Alexander Hartley of Avondale High School as his honored educator.
Ajitesh Ravula – GPA: 4.120
Ajitesh “AJ” Ravula will attend Michigan State University this fall. AJ earned an Honors Diploma and multiple CTE certifications in generative AI, small business, communication, and engineering design. He was active in FBLA, Student Leadership, Class Board, Aviation Club, Red Cross Club, and the National Technical Honor Society while also competing in varsity soccer and wrestling. Outside of school, AJ volunteered as an instructor for Rochester Adams Enrichment Swimming. He selected Jennifer Settimo of Avondale High School as his honored educator.
Avondale congratulates the Class of 2026 Top Scholars on their remarkable accomplishments and looks forward to seeing where their journeys will take them next!
