Watertown High School has announced its top scholars for the 2025-2026 academic year. The selection was based on grade-point average weighted to account for the number of advanced classes taken. The Top Scholars are:
🎓 Ashley Almendarez Martinez is the daughter of Ma Mercedes Martinez Vazquez and Juan Francisco Almendarez Castillo. Ashley has been involved in the WHS Band Program and also a member of HOSA (Future Health Professionals) for four years. She has been a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, AVID, and the Dual Language Program where she earned the Biliteracy Seal with Distinction. Ashley has also volunteered her time at Rakefest, the Freshman Experience, the elementary Kindness Retreat, and bell ringing for the Salvation Army. Ashley plans to attend UW–Madison, where she will double major in Biology and Spanish.
🎓 Allison Howlett is the daughter of Eric Howlett and Jackie Oestreich. Allison has been a four-year member of HOSA (Future Health Professionals) and the softball team. Allison demonstrates leadership as the Secretary for both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society, and her participation in the WHS Athletic Leadership Club. Following graduation, she intends to pursue a degree in Nursing at WCTC.
🎓 Sarin Johnson is the daughter of Thomas and Angela Johnson. Sarin has been a four-year member of the WHS Orchestra program. She is also a member of Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Honor Society, and INTERACT (Student Rotary) where she is currently serving as Secretary. Sarin plans on attending UW-Madison to receive a degree in Data Science.
🎓 Brady Lessner is the son of Ryan and Emily Lessner. Brady has been a four-year member of the WHS Music Program participating in WHS Carolers, Musicals, Choir, and Orchestra. He has also been a four-year member of the baseball team. Brady has also been active during his high school career in National Honor Society, serving as the tutor coordinator this year, Spanish Honor Society, Student Council, and INTERACT (Student Rotary). Brady plans to attend Crowder College to major in Sports Business Management and play baseball.
🎓 Delia Meier is the daughter of Olivia Meier. Delia has been a three-year member of HOSA (Future Health Professionals), INTERACT (Student Rotary) and the Girls Tennis Team. She is also actively involved in National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Ecology Club. Delia plans to attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities to major in Biology.
🎓 Gillian Mihalko is the daughter of Katy Mihalko Wolf and Ron Mihalko. She has been a four-year member of the Girls Volleyball Team as well as Student Council. Gillian has been involved in National Honor Society, currently serving as Vice President, Spanish Honor Society, and the WHS Athletic Leadership Club. She has also participated in HOSA (Future Health Professionals) and volunteered her time as a youth leader for the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation. Gillian plans to attend Penn State to pursue a degree in Business Administration.
🎓 Ella Mock is the daughter of John and Hannah Mock. Ella has been very involved in the WHS Business/Marketing Clubs: DECA, FBLA, and Association of Business Students. Ella has been serving as the President for these business organizations for the past two years and has represented WHS at the state level winning a medal at State Competition. She has also been active in FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America), currently serving as Treasurer, INTERACT, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. She received an honorary award for her work on the National Spanish Exam. Ella also participated in Varsity Girls Tennis and Badger Girls State. Ella plans on attending Oxford College of Emory University to study Political Science and Environmental Science.
🎓 Nathan Rocole is the son of Brad and Jaclyne Rocole. Nathan has been a dedicated four-year member of both the WHS Soccer and Wrestling programs. He is an active member in the National Honor Society and currently tutoring students through their student tutoring program. Nathan has also been involved in INTERACT (Student Rotary), mentoring students during the Freshman Experience, and supporting the Milwaukee Veterans Stand Down program. Nathan will be attending University of Louisville to major in Biology pursuing a future in the dental profession.
🎓 Lillian Small is the daughter of Adam and Lisa Small. Lillian has been a four-year member of the WHS Music Program, participating in Band, Choir, Show Choir, and the Spring Musical. She has also been a four-year member of the Watertown FFA Chapter serving in leadership roles as a Reporter and Treasurer, and competing on the Parliamentary Procedure Team. In addition, Lillian has participated in Forensics and Academic Decathlon, earning recognition in both organizations. Beyond these achievements, Lillian is involved in National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Model United Nations. Outside of WHS, she is active in Ixonia Victory 4-H, the Junior Wisconsin Meat Goat Association, and the National Call Breeders of America. Lillian will be attending UW-Madison to study Genetics, Genomics, and Life Science Communications.
🎓 Jack Sullivan, son of Mike and Sarah Sullivan, is a senior at Watertown High School with a strong record of academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular involvement. Jack has been a four-year member of the WHS Music Program participating in the WHS Musical, Choir, Carolers, Show Choir and Orchestra. He has also been a four-year member of the Boys Soccer and Tennis teams. In addition, Jack has been a member of the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and is currently the Vice President of the Spanish Honor Society. He plans to attend UW-Madison to major in Biology.
🎓 Kylie Tripp, daughter of Amy Tripp and Mark Tripp, has committed involvement in academics, athletics, music, and volunteer work throughout her high school career. Kylie has been a four-year member of the WHS Band Program as well as the Cross Country Team. She has also been involved in the Spanish Honor Society, currently serving as Co-Secretary & Treasurer, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, HOSA (Future Health Professionals), Pit Orchestra, and Track & Field. Kylie has also been working toward a Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. Outside of WHS, Kylie volunteers at Zacharia’s Acres. She plans to attend UW-Madison to major in Biology on a premed track and Spanish.
🎓 Melanie Vande Slunt is the daughter of Aaron and Karen Vande Slunt. Melanie has been a committed four-year member of both the WHS Band and the Girls Soccer program. She is also a member of National Honor Society and Skills USA. Melanie will be attending UW-Madison to study Aerospace Engineering.
Congratulations to these students!
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