{"id":259580,"date":"2026-05-05T19:03:12","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T19:03:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/259580\/"},"modified":"2026-05-05T19:03:12","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T19:03:12","slug":"apopka-wekiva-high-schools-announce-2026-super-scholars","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/259580\/","title":{"rendered":"Apopka, Wekiva\u00a0high\u00a0schools announce 2026 Super Scholars"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" class=\"css-filter size-large bricks-lazy-hidden\" alt=\"Apopka High School Super Scholars smile for the camera.\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/The-Apopka-High-School-Super-Scholars-smile-for-the-camera.-Courtesy-of-Orange-County-Public-Schools.jpeg\" data-type=\"string\" data- \/>Apopka High School Super Scholars smile for the camera.<\/p>\n<p class=\"media-credit\">Courtesy of Orange County Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>Orange County Public Schools (OCPS)\u00a0has\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ocps.net\/super-scholars-home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">released its list<\/a>\u00a0of this year\u2019s Super Scholars from the district\u2019s high schools, including 88 from Apopka.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMore than 1,000 of our outstanding seniors have been accepted into the nation\u2019s top 1% of colleges, universities, historically Black colleges and universities or received appointments to U.S. Service Academies\u00a0\u2014\u00a0an incredible achievement worth celebrating,\u201d\u00a0OCPS\u00a0said in\u00a0an April 28\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/p\/1HWUCsKqY5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Facebook post<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Apopka High School named 62\u00a0seniors\u00a0Super Scholars,\u00a0representing\u00a011 higher education institutions total.\u00a0Senior Ashley Mays was accepted into the most qualifying schools, including Florida A&amp;M University (FAMU), Howard University, Spelman\u00a0College\u00a0and University of Florida. FAMU accepted the most Super Scholars from Apopka with 40 students.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am proud of our Super Scholars for the class of 2026!\u201d said Apopka principal Lyle Heinz in a statement to The Apopka Chief. \u201cThis year\u2019s Super Scholars from Apopka High School have\u00a0demonstrated\u00a0exceptional academic rigor and resilience, securing spots at some of the most competitive institutions in the country. These students\u00a0accomplished\u00a0this while many of them were active on our campus with clubs, athletics, and volunteering.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s Apopka Super Scholars are\u00a0comprised\u00a0of the following students:\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ava Aby (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Hallie Acree (Ohio State University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Xavier Bell (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Fredly Bertil (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Nickayla Blake (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Kori Brown (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Shandi Brown (Florida A&amp;M University, Howard University, Tuskegee University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Victoria\u00a0Bylinska\u00a0(University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Aaliyah Chambers (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ley Chery (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Kimani Clarke (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Hieu-Nhan Dang (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ava Dennis (Tuskegee University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Samuel Diaz Barrios (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lyric Downer (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Theodore Duclos (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Keyon Eutsey (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Bianca\u00a0Eyesan\u00a0(Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Dilon Falloon (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Riley Ford (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Kiara Griffin (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Kiasia Griffin (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ty Griffin (Florida A&amp;M University, Tuskegee University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Amari Harris (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Judah Harvey (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Amaris Henderson (Florida A&amp;M University, Howard University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Abigail Henry (Howard University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Daylen Hilliman (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Tyler Issman (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Trenton Jean (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mikayla Lawson (Boston College, Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Noah Lettsome (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mackenzie Mack (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ariana Mahavir (Amherst College)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ashley Mays (Florida A&amp;M University, Howard University, Spelman College, University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Riana McCook (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Jayden Negron (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Cyan Nisbett (Florida A&amp;M University, Howard University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Yareli Orozco (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Carlos Paez (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Chase Parker (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Yameliz\u00a0Perez Santos (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Shania Pierre (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Amyah Pinto (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Sophia Powell (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Elyse Pringle (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Heather Rice (Rutgers University \u2013 New Brunswick, University of Chicago, University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Aiden Richardson (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Jalicia Ross (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Cierra Saintfort (Florida A&amp;M University, Tuskegee University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Brett Sellers (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Andrea Sifontes (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lachlan Sinclair-Hall (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Makayla Smith (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Taylor Smith (University of North Carolina \u2013 Chapel Hill)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mackillian\u00a0Topinka (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Kathy Tran (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Colton Truley (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Kendall Walker (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Anna Williams (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Kelby Williams (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Myles Wilson (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis group truly represents Apopka High School and the four words on our crest: Truth, Honor, Loyalty, and Pride!\u201d Heinz said. \u201cCongratulations to them all!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Wekiva High School named 26\u00a0seniors\u00a0Super Scholars, with FAMU accepting the most Wekiva seniors\u00a0with\u00a021.\u00a0The Super Scholars\u00a0represented\u00a0seven total\u00a0institutions of higher education.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Wekiva-High-School-Super-Scholars-celebrate-with-confetti.-Courtesy-of-Orange-County-Public-Schools-.jpeg\" alt=\"Wekiva High School Super Scholars celebrate with confetti.\" class=\"wp-image-747237\"  \/>Courtesy of Orange County Public Schools Wekiva High School Super Scholars celebrate with confetti.<\/p>\n<p>Students Christopher Desima and Daniel Idowu were both accepted into three qualifying schools. Desima\u2019s collegiate career options include Florida A&amp;M University, Tuskegee University and University of Florida, while Idowu\u2019s include Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Florida.\u00a0Idowu is the only senior from either high school to be accepted into the former two universities, and he has received a $40,000 scholarship from the Amazon Future Engineer program.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAt Wekiva High School, being a Super Scholar is about far more than just a high GPA; it is a testament to a relentless pursuit of excellence. These students represent the pinnacle of our academic community, distinguishing themselves through an extraordinary blend of unwavering dedication and rigorous discipline,\u201d said Wekiva principal Anthony Russell in a statement to the Chief. \u201cWe are incredibly proud of their hard work and the brilliant future they are building for themselves and our community.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s\u00a0Wekiva Super Scholars\u00a0include\u00a0the following students:\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Victoria Allen (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Jayla Brooks (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Isaiah Brown (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Kylean Canes (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Gabriela Delphin (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Christopher Desima (Florida A&amp;M University, Tuskegee University,\u00a0University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Andy Do (University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Diane Edouard (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Zariah Edwards (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>A\u2019Nese Heard (Tuskegee University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Daniel Idowu (Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Lincia Joseph (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Briana Louis (Emory College,\u00a0Florida A&amp;M University,\u00a0University of Rochester)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Gabrielle McCarthy (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Modupeoluwa Mobayo (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ethan Monplaisir (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Jimmy Nguyen (Florida A&amp;M University,\u00a0University of Florida)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Gabrielle Powell (Florida A&amp;M University, Tuskegee University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Xia Scott (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Natalie Sterling (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Jamiyah Thomas (Tuskegee University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Ashley Touze (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Kahlea Ulyssee (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Brakhia Upson (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Gabrielle Valentine (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Amayah Whittenburg (Florida A&amp;M University)\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo reach this level of achievement, our scholars have made the difficult choices, choosing study over leisure, persistence over ease, and growth over stagnation,\u201d Russell said. \u201cHowever, what truly defines a Wekiva Super Scholar is their integrity. They lead by example, proving that true success is built on a foundation of great character, kindness, and a commitment to uplifting those around them.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Apopka seniors will graduate at 8:30 a.m. on May 22 at the Kia Center, while Wekiva seniors will graduate at 8:30 a.m. on May 27 at Addition Financial Arena.<\/p>\n<p>                                                                                                                                                                                                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2-1.png\"  class=\"multiple_authors_guest_author_avatar avatar\" height=\"80\" width=\"80\"\/>                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n<p>Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College&#8217;s journalism program in Washington, D.C. In her spare time, Sarah loves watching rom-coms, visiting Disney, and throwing parties.<\/p>\n<p>                                                                                                                                <a class=\"ppma-author-user_email-profile-data ppma-author-field-meta ppma-author-field-type-email\" aria-label=\"Email\" href=\"https:\/\/theapopkachief.com\/apopka-wekiva-2026-super-scholars\/mailto:smerly@theapopkachief.com\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Apopka High School Super Scholars smile for the camera. Courtesy of Orange County Public Schools Orange County Public&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":259581,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[139,141,140],"class_list":["post-259580","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-orlando","tag-orlando","tag-orlando-headlines","tag-orlando-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259580","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=259580"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259580\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/259581"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=259580"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=259580"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=259580"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}