Staff reports

Fayetteville High School’s Class of 2026 earned an impressive $4,383,431 in scholarships and awards, completed 997 college credit hours, and celebrated 10 graduates who earned associate degrees before receiving their high school diplomas. A full list of Class of 2026 graduate scholarships are available at www.elkvalleytimes.com. Kali Ann Groce Valedictorian

Kali Groce received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and graduated with school honors in the top 5% of the class. She played softball for one year, was a member of the Beta Club for three years, Leo Club for four years and the LIFT Club for one year.

Groce attended Girls State and was on the following Student Advisory Boards: Fayetteville Public Utilities Student Advisory Board, Leadership Lincoln Student Advisory Board, and Fayetteville Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Board serving as President.

Groce is a Middle College Graduate and is a member of the ACT 21 Plus Jackpot Club.

After graduation, Groce plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and major in physical therapy with a Neurology focus. She is a Tennessee Hope student and received a total scholarship amount of $210,100, accepting the UAB Out of State Presidential Elite Scholarship.

Groce earned the following recognition: FHS Valedictorian, State Distinction by maintaining a B or above average and earning 12 or more hours of postsecondary credit, State Honors by achieving the benchmark scores on the ACT, School Honors for ranking in the top 5% of the class, Beta Club, Leo Club, Fayetteville City Lifer, Kiwanis Academic Excellence Award, FAFSA completer.

Jacob King, who received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, graduated with school honors in the top 5% of the class and is a member of the ACT 30 Plus Club. He played in the concert band for four years, jazz band for four years, and marching band for four years and received the Trilakes Honor band second chair. He was a member of the Beta Club for three years and participated in The Tennessee Mathematics Teacher’s Association High School Mathematics Contest for three years. He placed first in algebra II, second in geometry and this year placed third in calculus.

King is a Middle College Graduate and was chosen by the senior class as “Destined for Greatness.”

After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He is a Tennessee Hope student and received $95,200 in scholarships, accepting the UAH Saturn V Scholarship.

Jing earned the following recognition: FHS Salutatorian, State Distinction by maintaining a B or above average and earning 12 or more hours of postsecondary credit, State Honors by achieving the benchmark scores on the ACT, School Honors for ranking in the top 5% of the class, Beta Club, Fayetteville City Lifer, Band Graduate, Kiwanis Academic Excellence Award, FAFSA Completer.