Ballston Spa Names Valedictorian & Salutatorian for Class of 2026

Ballston Spa High School has recognized Lucas Guest as Valedictorian and Nicholas Sharp as Salutatorian for the graduating Class of 2026, as announced by Principal Matthew Robinson on February 19, 2026. This announcement highlights academic excellence within the school and signals the culmination of years of dedicated study for these two students.

Academic Achievements

Lucas Guest achieved a cumulative GPA of 99.75 while completing seventeen college-level courses. He will receive a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors, demonstrating mastery in both Mathematics and Science. Nicholas Sharp closely follows with a 99.71 GPA, also earning a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors and mastery in Mathematics and Science, after completing sixteen college-level courses and achieving a perfect score on the ACT.

Extracurricular Leadership and Contributions

Both students demonstrate leadership and engagement beyond academics. Guest served as Student Council President for three consecutive years and excelled in Science Olympiad, earning ten regional medals and qualifying for the state level twice. He also captained the Varsity Cross-Country team and actively participates in the Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Wind Ensemble.

Sharp is a Sub team Captain of the Robotics team, a four-year member of the Varsity Cross-Country and Track and Field teams, and a Boy Scouts Senior Patrol Leader. He has accumulated over 270 hours of community service and is projected to achieve the Eagle Scout rank. Sharp also created and instructed a Java programming course for students and community members for the past three summers.

Did You Know? Both the Valedictorian and Salutatorian completed more than sixteen college-level courses during their high school careers.

Future Aspirations

Guest intends to pursue a degree in Physics with a goal of becoming an educator. Sharp plans to major in Computer/Software Engineering, leveraging his skills and passion for technology. Both students are described as compassionate and hardworking individuals who have made significant contributions to the Ballston Spa community.

Expert Insight: The achievements of Guest and Sharp reflect a strong academic environment at Ballston Spa High School, potentially attracting future students and bolstering the school’s reputation within the region.

Top Ten Students

The top ten graduating seniors of the Class of 2026, based on cumulative GPA, are as follows: Lucas Guest (99.75), Nicholas Sharp (99.71), Lillian Frederick (99.18), James DeLorenzo (99.111), TinaMarie (98.967), Sonja Mankes (98.877), Logan Purcell (98.762), Alexa Cushing (98.315), Alexandra Beck (98.315), and Eric Lumley (98.196).

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes Lucas Guest academically?

Lucas Guest completed seventeen college-level courses and achieved a cumulative GPA of 99.75, earning a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors and Mastery in Mathematics and Science.

What is Nicholas Sharp’s perfect score related to?

Nicholas Sharp achieved a perfect score on the ACT, in addition to completing sixteen college-level courses and earning a 99.71 cumulative GPA.

Beyond academics, what contributions did Nicholas Sharp make to the community?

Nicholas Sharp accumulated over 270 community service hours and is projected to achieve the Eagle Scout rank this year. He also created and instructed a Java programming course for students and community members for three summers.

How might the accomplishments of these students influence future academic pursuits within the Ballston Spa Central School District?