C-R Announces 2026 Valedictorians, Salutatorian

COBLESKILL – Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District is proud to announce that John Hopkins and Ava Yorke have been named Co-Valedictorians of the Class of 2026, with Abigail Smith recognized as Salutatorian. These students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and dedication throughout their high school careers.

John Hopkins is the son of Adrienne and Matthew Hopkins. He is a member of the National Honor Society and actively participates in Stage Band, Select Choir, High School Pep Band, and created the High School Morning Announcements Live Broadcast. John is also a member of the Varsity Golf and Varsity Tennis teams.

He has earned numerous honors, including the 2024 Fall Academic Most Valuable Player for Golf, the Schoharie Valley Concert Band “Donald Webster Solo Festival” Junior and Senior Winner awards, and the George Eastman Young Leaders Award in 2025.

In addition to his academic and extracurricular accomplishments, John is an accomplished flautist who competes annually at NYSSMA, participates in All-County Music Festivals, and arranges his own music. He has also volunteered as a church flautist at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and works as a New York State lifeguard.

John will attend the University at Buffalo in the fall to study Computer Engineering. Reflecting on his success, John shared, “My parents made me the most successful. They supported every decision I made and were always there to help me.” He encourages future students to build strong relationships with their teachers, saying, “Your teachers are more than just educators—they are an invaluable resource that can help you succeed.”

Ava Yorke is the daughter of Lisa and Thomas Yorke. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Youth as Leaders, and an accomplished three-sport varsity athlete, competing in soccer, basketball, and softball. Ava served as captain for all three teams and earned Academic MVP honors in each sport.

On the field, she was recognized as a Section II First Team All-Star in soccer and earned Defensive MVP honors for Varsity Soccer. She was also named a Section II Scholar-Athlete for WAC Basketball. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Ava is actively involved in FBLA where she earned first place in Public Speaking at the regional level. 

Ava plans to attend Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, where she will pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She credits her success to her parents and the many teachers and coaches who have supported her along the way. “It’s their love, guidance, and example that has shaped me into who I am today,” she shared.

She encourages younger students to enjoy their high school experience, adding, “Don’t stress too much—it goes by so fast, and your best is all you can do.” Ava is most excited for the opportunity to continue her education and one day help others as a pharmacist.

Abigail Smith is the daughter of Melinda and Eric Smith. She is a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the French and Spanish Honor Societies. Abigail is actively involved in Environmental Science Club, Stage Band, Select Choir, Pep Band, the Middleburgh Community Summer Band, and the annual High School Musical. She also competes in Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Tennis.

Abigail has earned three Academic Most Valuable Player awards in Cross Country and Tennis, two Student of the Marking Period Awards, and the Schoharie County Music Educators Association Scholarship.

Beyond her academic and athletic achievements, Abigail has volunteered at Meet the Instruments Night, taken private piano lessons, and served on both the prom and homecoming committees.

She will attend Hartwick College in the fall to study Music Education. Abigail shared, “My parents and music teachers have truly inspired me. They’ve helped me realize that music is my passion and something I want to share with future students.” She looks forward to helping the next generation understand the value of music as both an art and an essential part of education.

Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District congratulates John, Ava, and Abigail on this outstanding achievement and wishes them continued success in all of their future endeavors.