Boasting nearly two thousand students, each member of every class at Bearden brings a new set of attributes to the table, and the Class of 2026 is no different.
Earlier this year, seniors submitted nominations and cast final votes for Senior Superlatives, a peer-chosen award system with a variety of accolades, including Best Looking, Most School Spirit, and Friendliest. At the same time, Bearden staff also voted 20 students for the Who’s Who award, a time-honored accolade that celebrates seniors who are identified to exemplify characteristics that faculty feel encompass Bearden’s Proud Tradition of Excellence.
School counselor and Bearden alum Mr. Brian Tanner is a former recipient of the award himself, and he takes pride in getting to cast his vote each year.
“[Who’s Who] embodies the best of Bearden High School in all areas,” Mr. Tanner said. “It’s a representation of an entire school for that grade level, the Class of 2026.”
Though the process of nominating students has remained relatively consistent throughout its five decades of existence, the characteristics identified and attributes deemed most important change each year.
“I take into account the growth that they’ve had in classes over time,” English teacher Mrs. Autumn Suranofsky said. “By the time we get to nominating students, I end up having a lot of encounters and opportunities to know them.”
For many teachers, it can be tricky to pare down the senior class into the top 20 most notable students. Furthermore, it can be easy for students to get lost in the sea of high-achieving Bearden students, an issue not unseen by staff.
“We are asked to nominate three boys and three girls, but here’s the hard part: Do I want to be selfish and nominate just the kids on my roster?” Mr. Tanner said. “Instead, I choose to go at it analytically, who deserves it the most, and from those students, who maybe haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve.”
Traditionally, the Who’s Who award is organized by the yearbook staff, and this year was no exception.
“We recognize these students because they put in all their effort to impact the school,” said senior Leah Turowski, who is one of the yearbook’s two editors this year.
The Class of 2026 ended up with 22 honorees due to a tie in the voting. Turowski said that each will receive their own page in the yearbook where they will be spotlighted for their achievement.
“It’s encouraging to be seen by your peers,” Mrs. Suranofsky said, “but it’s equally as rewarding to be recognized by your teachers.”
Who’s Who:
- Elton Aba
- Shea Akagi
- Caroline Alley
- Kendall Coe
- Lilly Deal
- Thatcher Ella
- Jack Ferreira
- Taylor Haun
- Nora Johnson
- Abi Lundberg
- Andy Mowery
- Ben Mowery
- Jake Mowery
- Preston Myers
- Natalie Newman
- Justin Nordin
- Rudra Patel
- Jordan Reinbolt
- Ava Stinnette
- Finley Wright
- Grayson Wright
- Ethan Yeow
Superlatives:
- Most Athletic: Jayla Blue and Justin Nordin
- Best Looking: Lydia Kerr and Eli Keener
- Best Dressed: Jocelyn Williams and Kane Hankins
- Wittiest: Nora Johnson and Seth Henry
- Most School Spirit: Shea Akagi and Jack Fennell
- Most Talented in the Performing Arts: Layla Griffey and Zane White
- Most Creative in the Visual Arts: Lilly Deal and Charlie Robinson
- Friendliest: Abi Lundberg and Max Mead
- Most Intelligent: Mery Diaz and Yejoon Ham
- Most likely to Succeed: Alyssa Natour and Yejoon Ham
- Most School Service: Emmaline Hurst and Thatcher Ella
- Best All Around: Addison Pratt and Thatcher Ella