C-R Announces 2026 Valedictorians and Salutatorian
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 distinguished themselves through exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and involvement throughout their high school careers.
John Hopkins, son of Adrienne and Matthew Hopkins, has been an active member of the National Honor Society and a leader in the C-RHS music program. He participates in Stage Band, Select Choir, and High School Pep Band, and is the creator of the High School Morning Announcements Live Broadcast. John is also a member of the Varsity Golf and Varsity Tennis teams.
His accomplishments include earning the 2024 Fall Academic Most Valuable Player for Golf, being named both a Junior and Senior Winner at the Schoharie Valley Concert Band “Donald Webster Solo Festival,” and receiving the George Eastman Young Leaders Award in 2025. An accomplished flautist, John competes annually at NYSSMA and participates in several All-County Music Festivals. 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 to study Computer Engineering. Reflecting on his journey, he shared that he credits his parents for their constant support and encouragement, and he encourages younger students to build strong relationships with their teachers, who can serve as valuable resources throughout their academic careers.
Ava Yorke, daughter of Lisa and Thomas Yorke, has also earned the distinction of Co-Valedictorian. 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 the support of her parents, teachers, and coaches. Ava encourages incoming students to enjoy their high school experience and not to put too much pressure on themselves, noting that time passes quickly. She looks forward to continuing her education and one day helping others through her work as a pharmacist.
Abigail Smith, daughter of Melinda and Eric Smith, has been named Salutatorian. She is a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the French and Spanish Honor Societies. Abigail has been 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 on the Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Tennis teams.
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. She has also volunteered at Meet the Instruments Night, taken private piano lessons, and served on both the prom and homecoming committees.
Abigail will attend Hartwick College to study Music Education. She credits her parents and music teachers for inspiring her passion and helping shape her goals. Looking ahead, she is excited to share her love of music with future students and to help them understand its importance both in and beyond the classroom.
Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District congratulates John, Ava, and Abigail on their outstanding accomplishments and looks forward to all they will achieve in the future.
