PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High School Principal Matthew Bishop has announced the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2026. 

 

They will speak during the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 12, at 4 p.m at Tanglewood in Lenox. 

 

Gavin O'Donnell, son of Kevin and Colleen O'Donnell of Pittsfield, has been named valedictorian with a grade average of 103. Hunter Bentz, son of Heidi Bentz of Pittsfield, has been named salutatorian with a grade average of 102.4.

 

Throughout his high school career, O'Donnell has exemplified the values of leadership, commitment, and excellence that define the Taconic community. He achieved high honors all four years and made significant contributions to both the school and the wider community. He was an active member of the Link Crew, Green and Gold, and Class Council, just to name a few of his activities. 

 

A dedicated athlete, O'Donnell played soccer and baseball all four years and was named captain of the varsity soccer and baseball teams both junior and senior years. His commitment to service extended beyond athletics, as he volunteered with Unified Games and was a math tutor at Taconic. He has also been an active part of Pittsfield Soccer Club, where he has helped

referee youth soccer games and assisted in getting the fields ready for game days.

 

He has earned several awards, including being a member of the National Honor Society,  the John and Abigail Adams Award, and being an AP Scholar and an AP Capstone Graduate. 

 

O'Donnell plans to pursue a degree in finance at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he will continue to play baseball and hopes to excel as a student. 

 

Bentz demonstrated outstanding leadership both inside and outside the classroom, receiving high honors for all four years of high school. He also is a member of the National Honor

Society and Link Crew. His passion for learning sets a strong example for his peers. He is an exceptional student who has distinguished himself academically as well as demonstrating outstanding hands-on skill in our electrical program, participating in cooperative education at Shire Electric.

 

Athletically, Bentz was a member of the varsity swim team and captain his senior year. Additionally, he was a part of the varsity track and field and cross country team for the last three years, showcasing his versatility and teamwork across a variety of sports.

 

A member of the Movember Club and National Honor Society, he earned awards such as the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and will be graduating with high honors. 

 

Bentz plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

 

Taconic High School congratulates both O'Donnell and Bentz on their outstanding achievements

and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.