Wahconah High Names Top Students For Class of 2026
DALTON, Mass. — Wahconah Regional High School has named Haze Brown and Sophie Alsmaan as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the class of 2026.
This honor recognizes their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to community involvement. Both students will speak at graduation ceremonies on Sunday, May 31, at 1 p.m. in the school gymnasium.
The valedictory speech is titled "Falling into Place," and the salutatory address "Our Voices, Our Future."
Brown is the child of Daniel and Heather Brown of Hinsdale. They pursued a rigorous Honors and Advanced Placement curriculum in high school and have been actively involved in numerous campus organizations, serving as Student Council president and president of Change Makers for Good.
A dedicated leader within the school community, Brown also contributes to the Spirit Club, the Climate & Culture Committee, and various school fundraising initiatives. Outside of school, they have volunteered with First Congregational Church of Hinsdale and dedicated over a decade to the All Berkshire Dance Team, the official competitive dance program for Terpsichore Dance Center, where they are an advanced dancer and mentor younger dancers while fostering artistic and personal growth.
Brown was involved in an academic research project for their Junior Scholar Portfolio. Through this project, they demonstrated skill in conducting independent research, critically evaluating sources, and exploring historical contexts to address complex problems. Passionate about scientific inquiry, Brown has developed a strong interest in chemistry and laboratory research while also excelling in the humanities, earning a score of 5 on the AP English Language exam. They approach laboratory work with curiosity, creativity, and precision, cultivating the foundational skills necessary for a future career in scientific research.
Brown has been recognized for outstanding academic achievement while also demonstrating resilience, maturity, and compassion. They consistently challenged themselves across all disciplines, balancing a demanding academic schedule with civic engagement and a commitment to inspiring others. Their leadership and service earned them the opportunity to attend Massachusetts Girls State.
They plan to attend Rensselaer (N.Y.) Polytechnic Institute in the fall, where they will major in chemistry.
Alsmaan is the daughter of Datty Sahyouni and Hafez Alsmaan of Pittsfield. She also pursued a rigorous Honors and Advanced Placement curriculum in high school. She has been involved in many service initiatives sponsored by the National Honor Society and currently serves as vice president of the Wahconah chapter. Alsmaan is also an engaged and active member of the school community, participating in Mock Trial, acting in and assisting with theater productions, and mentoring incoming freshmen. Outside of school, she has worked as a camp counselor and has volunteered her time at St. Agnes Academy.
Alsmaan completed an advanced civic research project titled "Does the Federal Funding Model for Private Universities Threaten the Independence of Academia?" Through this work, she demonstrated a strong ability to apply academic knowledge to real-world institutional landscapes. Committed to advocacy and inclusion, she also collaborated with the Anti-Defamation League to address bias and promote inclusivity within the school community. "I want to be a voice of influence for people whose voices are often not heard," she said. "For me, this influence is not about power over others, but about service, leadership, and vision."
She has been recognized for her academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and integrity throughout her high school career. She consistently challenged herself with a demanding course load and earned recognition for her thoughtful engagement with complex social and global issues.
Alsmaan plans to attend Siena (N.Y.) University in the fall, where she will enroll in the 3+2 Law Program with Albany Law School. She plans to major in government and political science.
Tags: graduation 2026, val & sal, WRHS,
