OHS announces class of 2026 valedictorian, salutatorian

Valedictorian Leah Kelly

Recognized for her academic excellence, leadership and resilience, Leah Kelly, daughter of Kristen and Matthew Kelly, has distinguished herself as a dedicated student deeply involved in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. She has been named valedictorian of Oswego High School class of 2026.

Throughout her high school career, Kelly has been an active participant and leader in numerous organizations. She has served as drum major for marching band for the past several years and is also a member of winter guard. In addition, she is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as president of the Interact Club and Zonta (Z) Club. Her involvement extends to Drama Club and Spanish Club, reflecting her wide-ranging interests and commitment to her school community.
Following graduation, Kelly plans to attend college and is currently undecided on a specific field of study. She looks forward to exploring her interests and discovering her passions.

“I am looking forward to figuring out exactly what I want to do with the rest of my life, discovering my passions in college and then learning as much as I can within the next four years,” she said.
Kelly describes herself as hardworking and persevering, qualities that have been especially important over the past year.
“I’ve been through a lot of health challenges in the past year, but I’ve kind of pushed through them because I know that I have to,” she said.

Reflecting on her time at Oswego High School, Kelly expressed appreciation for the many opportunities she has had to grow both academically and personally. She said her experiences in marching band were particularly influential in shaping her identity and interests, along with the enjoyment she found in learning across her classes.
Kelly would like to extend special thanks to Mrs. Morse, who played a significant role in her academic journey.
“She was my pre-AP world history teacher, and I also took women’s history with her sophomore year, which I had a really fun time in. She is also the advisor for NHS and Z Club,” Kelly said.

Kelly also offered advice to her fellow classmates as they prepare to graduate:
“Prioritize learning over getting good grades. I think that it is important to understand everything in your classes rather than just strive to be the best.”

As she prepares to take the next step in her academic journey, Oswego High School congratulates Leah Kelly on her achievements and wishes her continued success.


Salutatorian Leonard Lin
 
Recognized for his scholarly achievement, work ethic and direction, Leonard Lin, son of Xiuhong and Shusong Lin, has distinguished himself as a committed student deeply involved in both academic and extracurricular pursuits. He has been named salutatorian of Oswego High School Class of 2026.

Throughout his high school career, Lin has been an active participant in a variety of organizations, including the National Honor Society, Math Society, Interact Club, French Club and Student Council, reflecting both his academic strengths and commitment to his school community.

Following graduation, Lin will attend the University of Rochester, where he plans to major in biomedical engineering. He is especially looking forward to meeting new people and gaining independence in this next chapter of his life.
Lin describes himself as “funny, kind of smart, really empathetic,” adding that he enjoys connecting with others, qualities that have helped him build meaningful relationships throughout high school.

Reflecting on his time at Oswego High School, Lin said his experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
“High school has been great. They offer tons of college courses that I get to take advantage of that will help me in college. The people here are great; the staff here are even better. I’ve definitely connected with a bunch of teachers,” he said.

Lin would like to extend special thanks to Mrs. Warren, his English 11 and honors teacher, and Mr. Defren, his band teacher, for their guidance and support along the way.

As graduation approaches, Lin offers simple but meaningful advice to his classmates:
“Just continue pushing through and you’ll make it.”

As he prepares to take the next step in his academic journey, Oswego High School congratulates Leonard Lin on his achievements and wishes him continued success.