Carson High School celebrated one of its most accomplished graduating classes to date during its annual Salute to Scholars ceremony Thursday, May 22, at the Carson City Community Center, recognizing seniors who have earned local scholarships and the unwavering support of the Carson City community.
The event brought together students, families, scholarship sponsors, district leadership, school board members and Carson High staff for a night centered on achievement, gratitude and future promise. With more than 75 local sponsors contributing to student success, the evening highlighted the powerful partnership between the school and its community.
“The Class of 2026 is truly exceptional,” Superintendent AJ Feuling said. “This group will be heading to colleges from coast to coast and attending some of the most prestigious universities our school has seen in the past twenty years, including Texas A&M, Chapel Hill, the University of Pennsylvania, Georgetown and Stanford. We are equally proud of those who will remain close to home, continuing their journeys at the University of Nevada, Reno, our Tier 1 university, as well as our outstanding community and trade colleges. Collectively, this class has earned over $12 million in scholarship offers.”
The ceremony began with a moving tribute to Carson High’s military enlistees, honoring students who have chosen to serve their country. This year’s honorees included students entering the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps, recognized for their commitment and courage. In addition, senior Vivi Mellow was recognized for earning a prestigious Air Force ROTC Scholarship, a highly competitive national award that will support her pursuit of higher education while preparing for military leadership.
A hallmark of the evening was the recognition of scholarship sponsors whose generosity continues to open doors for Carson High students. The John and Grace Nauman Foundation stood out once again, awarding five students $5,000 per year, for four years at the University of Nevada, Reno, an extraordinary commitment to local education.
Many scholarships carry deep personal meaning, reflecting the stories and legacies of Carson City families. This year marked the 15th anniversary of the Stephen Anderson Memorial Scholarship, established by the Anderson Family in honor of their son following his tragic accident. This year also marked the first year for Carson High School Principal Dan Carsten’s scholarship in memory of his son, Nathan Carstens, who lived a life full of dedication to serving others and living life to the fullest.
From legacy awards to community-driven scholarships, the evening underscored the collective belief in Carson High students and their potential. Salute to Scholars serves not only as a recognition ceremony, but also as a powerful reminder that student success is rooted in community support, generosity and shared pride.
Scholarship recipients honored during the evening include Julia Aquino, Johnny Alvarado, Lizbeth Andrade, Saule Astronomo, Madison Baroni, Maria Benshoof, Hannah Budd, Augi Campbell, Julian Castro, Isaac Chambers, Chloe Christy, Olivia Croft, Edmund Cruz, Nadeen De La Cruz, Gloria Dooley, Danny Galvez, Oscar Gomez, Madi Hager, Kylee Halverson, Braelynn Hudson, Ezekiel Keechler, Devyn Kellner, Bebe Kiel, Margarita Lagunas-Anthony, Aaron Linehan, Karina Lozano, Brianna Lundy, Angelina Martinez, Erick David Martinez, Melany Martinez, Zoey McMenamy, Vivi Mellow, Eddie Mills, Vea Miner, Josie Morehouse, Clare Mulvihill, Anna Nelson, Drew Olson, Nasia Perkins, Ellee Richetta, Jesus Rodriguez, Maliyah Roque-Ortega, Larkin Russell, Kaden Sa, Josie Sajec, Annabellen Sanchez, Karol Sanchez, Tyler Silsby, Alaze Solis Ramirez, Valerie Sotelo-Angel, Hailey Sullivan, Soleil Swanson, Lucas Thorely, Jaren Thornburg, Sean Thornton, Nathan Torres, Lillian Turner, Victoria Valdes, Sophie Wahl, Molly Whatford, Aujanae Williams, Chloe Woodbury and Tyler Wright.
Military Recruits honored during the event include Joyce Chavaria (Army), Spencer Dale (Navy), Chloe Delallo (Army), Jacob Ellis (Navy), Ethan Linehan (Marine Corps), Tanner McCune (Marine Corps), Ethan Murphy (Navy), Ean Thomas (Army), Ronald Ward (Marine Corps) and Alizee Zambrano (Army).
Scholarship sponsors for the 2026 Salute to Scholars evening include Al Seeliger, Alyce McCracken Sierra Nevada Realtors, Bette Larsen Memorial, Carson/Douglas Farm Bureau, Carson Elks Lodge, Carson Host Lions Club, Carson Masonic Lodge #1, Carson Valley Quilt Guild, CESA, CHS Basketball Boosters, CHS Committee Scholarship, CHS Craft Fair, CHS National Honor Society, Chartwells, Class of 1977, College Bound Cadet, Connor Beattie Legacy, CTE Greenhouse, Debbie McClure Elder, Eric Abowd Legacy, Families United, FBLA, Food for Thought, GNCU, Holiday with a Hero, Jason & Jordan Marshall, Jake Sullivan Roman, Jim Frank Memorial, John & Grace Nauman, Kiwanis – Marilyn Elaine, Jim Albee & Ralph Denny, Kerry Oxoby Memorial, Lori Clish Memorial, Mac Wilson Football Boosters, Merry & Jason Bayer, Nathan Carstens Legacy, NV Energy Powerful Partner, OCEA, Opportunity Scholarship, Pay It Forward, PEO Chapter X, Republican Women, Reno Rodeo, Retired Teachers, Robert & Anne Keast Memorial, Robert Z. Hawkins, Shane Quilling Memorial, Shannon Hammond Memorial, Sierra Mountain Education, Soroptimist Girl of the Month, Stephen Anderson Memorial, and Timmy Jones Memorial & HOSA.
