Class of 2026 Valedictorian Conner Doane and salutatorian Colin Hansen were among the honorees representing 22 high schools at the 2026 Orange-Ulster BOCES Outstanding Student Honoree Luncheon, held May 26 at The Barn at Villa Venezia in Middletown.
“Conner and Collin have worked hard to achieve their distinctions, and we were so proud to join them as they were honored alongside their Orange County valedictorian and salutatorian peers,” said Superintendent Brian Monahan. “Their tenacity, motivation and commitment to excellence are inspiring examples of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work. We know they will continue to do great things in the years ahead, and we are confident they will carry the same determination and leadership into every opportunity they pursue.”
Conner will attend Binghamton University with plans to major in economics. His passion for learning excels across most subjects with a special talent for English and history and is a Rensselaer medalist. Conner is also a third-place finalist at the recent Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference.
Colin will attend Auburn University to study professional flight. He is an active member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where he earned numerous awards at various State Leadership Conferences. He is a member of the Lenape Volunteer Ambulance Corps and has competed on both the varsity track and golf teams. Colin is already a certified private pilot.
Each year Orange-Ulster BOCES honors the outstanding students from the region’s public and private high schools who have demonstrated excellence in academic achievement throughout high school.
The gathering was attended by school officials, Board of Education members, parents and family members.
READ MORE: Conner Doane named 2026 valedictorian; Colin Hansen is 2026 salutatorian