Ross High School Celebrates Top 10 Students in the Class of 2026

Posted Date: 05/27/26 (12:56 PM)

Ross Local School District is proud to recognize the outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and involvement of the Top 10 students in the Ross High School Class of 2026.
These students represent the very best of the Ross Experience. Throughout their time at Ross High School, they have challenged themselves through rigorous coursework, served as leaders in student organizations, participated in athletics and fine arts, contributed to academic teams and clubs, and prepared themselves for success beyond graduation.

Their accomplishments reflect not only their individual dedication, but also the support of their families, teachers, coaches, advisors, and the entire Ross school community.

Nathan Sommers, 1st in Class

GPA: 5.3
Future Plans: Nathan will attend Cedarville University to major in Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace concentration.
Activities and Involvement: Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Track and Field, Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Nathan Sommers, a student from Ross High School, is recognized as Top 10 in the Class of 2026.

Thomas Kroeger, 2nd in Class

GPA: 5.271
Future Plans: Thomas will major in Finance at Miami University.
Activities and Involvement: Soccer, Basketball, DECA, National Honor Society, JEE Foods

Thomas Kroeger, a student in the Class of 2026, is recognized as 2nd in his class with a GPA of 5.271.

Conner Hudak, 3rd in Class

GPA: 5.2
Future Plans: Conner will attend Denison University to double major in Politics and Public Affairs and Global Commerce.
Activities and Involvement: Mock Trial, DECA, Student Council, National Honor Society

Conner Hudak, a student from Ross High School, is recognized as 3rd in Class for the Class of 2026 with a GPA of 5.2.

Danielle Schulte, 4th in Class

GPA: 4.973
Future Plans: Danielle will attend the University of Tennessee to major in Nursing.
Activities and Involvement: Girls Cross Country, Girls Track, National Honor Society President, DECA, Youth Philanthropy Committee

Danielle Schulte, a student from Ross High School, is recognized as 4th in her Class of 2026 with a GPA of 4.973.

Gillian Pater, 5th in Class

GPA: 4.95
Future Plans: Gillian will attend The Ohio State University and major in Chemistry.
Activities and Involvement: Marching Band, Academic Team Captain, National Honor Society, Jazz Band, Pep Band

Gillian Pater, a student in the Class of 2026, is recognized as 5th in her class with a GPA of 4.95.

Brady Gillespie, 6th in Class

GPA: 4.936
Future Plans: Brady will attend Miami University and major in Mechanical Engineering.
Activities and Involvement: Varsity Football, Varsity Baseball

Brady Gillespie, a student in the Class of 2026, is ranked 6th in his class with a GPA of 4.936.

Matthew Turco, 7th in Class

GPA: 4.85
Future Plans: Matthew will attend Miami University at Oxford, majoring in Statistics with a minor in Actuarial Science.
Activities and Involvement: Show Choir, Academic Team

Matthew Turco, a student from Ross High School, is recognized as 7th in the Class of 2026 with a GPA of 4.85.

Isabella Smiley, 8th in Class

GPA: 4.8
Future Plans: Isabella will attend the Miami University Farmer School of Business Honors Program for Business Analytics.
Activities and Involvement: National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society President, DECA, Varsity Tennis

Isabella Smiley, a student from Ross High School, is recognized as Top 10 in the Class of 2026, ranking 8th with a GPA of 4.8.

Rachel Estridge, 9th in Class

GPA: 4.761
Future Plans: Rachel will attend Miami University to study high school social studies education.
Activities and Involvement: President of History Club, President of Earth Club, Herald of the Spanish National Honor Society, Volunteer Coordinator of the National Honor Society, Tennis Team Captain

Rachel Estridge, a student from Ross High School, is recognized as 9th in the Class of 2026 with a GPA of 4.761.

Andrew Garland, Tied for 10th in Class

GPA: 4.757
Future Plans: Andrew will attend Miami University Oxford to study Information Systems and Cybersecurity Management in the Farmer School of Business.
Activities and Involvement: Tennis, Ross Rambotics, DECA, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout, Engineering Club Vice President, TSA

Andrew Garland, a student from Ross High School, is recognized as Top 10 in the Class of 2026, tied for 10th place with a GPA of 4.757.

Katie Auffinger, Tied for 10th in Class

GPA: 4.757
Future Plans: Katie plans to attend the University of Cincinnati for Mechanical Engineering.
Activities and Involvement: Rambotics, Engineering Club/TSA, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Indoor Percussion, Yearbook

Portrait of Katie Auffinger, a Top 10 student from Ross High School, Class of 2026.

Celebrating Excellence and the Ross Experience

The Top 10 students in the Class of 2026 have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and service. Their involvement across academics, athletics, fine arts, career-focused programs, and student organizations reflects the many opportunities available to Ross students and the dedication it takes to make the most of them.
Ross Local Schools congratulates these outstanding students and their families on this well-earned recognition. We are proud of their accomplishments and excited to see the impact they will continue to make in college, career, service, and beyond.