COLEMAN – The Coleman High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 will take place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at the high school gymnasium.

Mary Smith, daughter of Michael and Madeleine Smith, is the valedictorian, while Addison Farrow, daughter of Jake and Jeana Farrow, is the salutatorian.

“It has truly been a blessing to reach this point,” Smith said of earning valedictorian status. “It was both an honor and a surprise. While I always worked hard and aimed to do my best, I didn’t exactly expect to be valedictorian. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and for the support system around me. My parents, in particular, have pushed me to do my best and stay focused, even when things felt challenging. While their expectations weren’t always easy to meet, they helped shape my determination.”

Farrow said of claiming the salutatorian honor, “To me, being the Salutatorian means that all the hard work I put in to keeping my grades up throughout high school has paid off. I’ve been salutatorian on paper since freshman year, so I expected it, but I never fully accepted it until it was confirmed by (Coleman High School Principal) Dr. (Michael) Heath a few weeks ago.”

Smith is headed to Texas A&M University to major in Psychology.

“I’m interested in becoming a forensic psychologist because I’d like to help with criminal investigations and victims of crime through my education, and to provide some positive impact for my community,” Smith said.

The next step for Farrow is the University of North Texas with plans to also major in Psychology.

“I would like to become a Licensed Professional Counselor,” Farrow said. “I want to pursue this career so that I can provide support to people who struggle with their mental health and show them that it isn’t something that they have to be defined by.”

Both students were heavily involved in extracurricular activities during their high school years.

For Smith, “I have been involved in different sports including golf, basketball, and cross country. I’ve also been a member of many different organizations including National Honor Society, Student Council, and Coleman County Junior Chamber.”

Farrow added, “I was actively involved in several extracurricular activities, including National Honor Society, Student Council, Coleman Junior Chamber, and managed volleyball, basketball, and track throughout high school.”

Reflecting on their favorite teachers and classes, Farrow said, “My favorite teacher was Mrs. Ailshie and my favorite class was biology freshman year.

Smith didn’t choose favorites, but said, “I deeply appreciate the coaches, teachers and office staff who supported and encouraged me throughout my high school journey.”

As for what they will miss most about high school, Smith said, “I will miss Coleman Bluekatts Athletics the most. The coaches and athletes have been such a blessing in my life, and through them I’ve found some of my closest friends, people I know will be part of my life for years to come.”

For Farrow, “The thing that I will miss most about high school will be having the opportunity to see my friends five days a week without having to plan or try.”

Looking 10 to 15 years down the road, Smith said, “I see myself established in my career as a forensic psychologist, with a loving husband and one to three children, building both a fulfilling professional life and a happy family”

For Farrow, “ I hope that I am a LPC. I hope to be a well traveled person who has gotten to experience some of the many things the world has to offer outside of Texas and the United States. My main goal is just to be truly happy with where I am in the moment.”