West Branch High School recently honored its top 10 percent of the 2026 graduating class. From left, front row, Abigail Carver, Addison Reichenbach, Allie Brammer, Raelyn Walker, Alli Kanagy, Chloey Sanor; back row, Jaycee Blinn, Kasen Weaver, Zachary Coffee, Lucas Dyke, Jude Corallo, Gavin Clay. (Photo courtesy of Dunlap Photography)

BELOIT – The 36th annual West Branch High School Senior Academic Recognition Banquet was held May 13 at the Harvesting Hope Center in Sebring. This year’s banquet honored 12 students who are in the top 10 percent of the Class of 2026 along with their parents and a teacher chosen by each honored senior. The seniors selected the educator who most significantly influenced their educational career.

Brian Coffee, principal of West Branch High School, welcomed the guests. Zachary Coffee, West Branch High School senior, gave the invocation. Brian Coffee, along with West Branch High School Assistant Principal Chris Berni, recognized the students’ accomplishments as they were honored. Matthew Manley, West Branch Schools superintendent, offered closing remarks.

The evening’s celebration was planned by the Academic Recognition Banquet Committee which included Brian Coffee, Jill Boyle, Treva Cline, Suzanne Denny, Mona McNeely and Lori Schlueter.

The 12 students, who celebrated their academic excellence over a four-year period, along with their parents and selected teacher, were:

— Jaycee Blinn, daughter of Kenneth Blinn of Salem. Jaycee’s plans are undecided at this time. Activities: B.E.S.T. Leadership Team member, College Credit Plus student, Honors Programs. Jaycee selected her high school Spanish 2 & 3 teacher, Erica Ross.

— Allie Brammer, daughter of Shane and Christy Brammer of Homeworth. Allie plans to study nursing and nurse anesthetist at Aultman College of Nursing. She has been offered a Governor’s Merit Scholarship and the Aultman Merit Scholarship. Activities: Top 5% of 2026 class, National Honor Society blood drive chairman, YWCA Young Women with Bright Futures Award. Allie selected her high school Algebra 2 & Stats teacher, Shawn Alazaus.

— Abigail Carver, daughter of Shawn Carver and Amanda Beane of Salem. Abigail plans to study Forensic Science and Cellular/Molecular Biology at the University of New Haven, Conn. She has been offered a Presidential Scholarship and an Honors Scholarship. Activities: National Honor Society member, New Haven Honors Program, maintained a 3.96 GPA. Abigail selected her high school Biomedical Science teacher, Davida Wagner.

— Gavin Clay, son of Corey and Krista Clay of Louisville. Gavin plans to study Sports Management and Coaching Analytics at Baldwin Wallace University. He has been offered a Baldwin Wallace University Presidential Award. Activities: Offered a roster spot on the Baldwin Wallace Track Team, accepted into Baldwin Wallace Sports Management program, Team captain of West Branch Throws Squad. Gavin selected his high school Honors Geometry, Honors Trig & Advanced Math teacher, Gina Solak.

— Zachary Coffee, son of Brian and Marsha Coffee of Salem. Zachary plans to study Business Analytics at University of Mount Union and continue to play football. He has been offered a Mount Union Trustee Academic Scholarship. Activities: 1st Team All-Ohio Football and Team Captain, WKBN 27 5 Blocks of Granite for Best Offensive Lineman, Adidas Track Nationals participant. Zachary selected his high school principal and father, Brian Coffee.

— Jude Corallo, son of Marco and Janelle Corallo of Salem. Jude plans to study Biomedical Engineering at Akron University. He has been offered an Akron University Merit Scholarship and an Akron University Yes More Scholarship. Activities: OMEA Honors/Jazz Band/Band – 4-year letter winner, West Branch Varsity Football member, Alter Server at St. Ann’s church. Jude selected his high school Engineering teacher, Rodger Sharp.

— Lucas Dyke, son of Mike and Teresa Dyke of Berlin Center. Lucas plans to study Accounting and Music at Youngstown State University. He has been offered a YSU Dean’s Scholarship, a YSU Honors Program Scholarship, and a YSU Honors Housing Scholarship. Activities: Scored a 5 on the AP Government exam, Perfect attendance all four years of high school, Tom Hahlen Math Award winner in 8th grade Algebra 1. Lucas selected his former high school band teacher, Lauren Stitle.

— Alli Kanagy, daughter of David and Mikki Kanagy of Beloit. Alli plans to study Sports Media and Communication/Sports Broadcasting at University of Mount Union. She has been offered a Presidential Scholarship from the University of Mount Union, and a Governor’s Merit Scholarship. Activities: President of National Honor Society, Ruriteens and Choir, Five Sport Varsity Athlete, participated in 16 theatrical productions – with 10 leading roles. Alli selected her high school counselor and coach, Jana Stitle.

— Addison Reichenbach, daughter of Terry Reichenbach of Sebring and Jennifer Fraraccio of North Canton. Addison plans to study Political Science at Kent State University. She has been offered a Marguerite Harvey Founders Scholarship, a Governor’s Merit Scholarship, an Honors Distinction Award, and a Kent State University Merit Scholarship. Activities: Class Valedictorian, National Honor Society Treasurer, Student Council officer. Addison selected her high school AP Government teacher, Shane Blommel.

— Chloey Sanor, daughter of Tod and Rachael Sanor of Homeworth. Chloey plans to study nursing at the University of Akron. She has been offered a University of Akron More Yes Annual Scholarship. Activities: National Honor Society Annual Food Drive Chairman, participated in honors classes for seven years, Volleyball Team Captain. Chloey selected her high school ELA Honors teacher, Tracy Hinkle.

— Raelyn Walker, daughter of Jon Walker and Jennifer Wade of Sebring. Raelyn plans to study Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant at the University of Mount Union. She has been offered a Young Women with Bright Futures Scholarship, a University of Mount Union Trustee’s Scholarship, and a Governor’s Scholarship. Activities: four-year Varsity and Competition Cheerleader, Varsity Cheer Captain, Valedictorian with 4.0 GPA. Raelyn selected her high school mentor, Angie Mulinix.

— Kasen Weaver, son of Jake and Amy Weaver of Deerfield. Kasen plans to study Biomedical Engineering at The Ohio State University. He has been offered a Provost Scholarship, a Presidential Scholarship, a Dr. James J. Thomas Scholarship, and a John Krizay Jr. Scholarship. Activities: Graduation Speaker, Class Valedictorian, Created a school food drive to support local families. Kasen selected his high school Chemistry and AP Biology teacher, Tara Robb.