Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School district announced the Valedictorian, Salutatorian and top ten graduates for the Class of 2026. Their graduation was held on Friday, May 22 at the Lenise Boseman Gym.
CadeChildresswasnamed CPCISD’s 2026 valedictorian, and Saylor Smith was named salutatorian. From there, the rest of the top ten is ranked as follows: Sean Carpenter, Skyla Smith, Maud Poortvliet, Adriana Enriquez, Talon Pierson, Lynleigh Waldon, Claire Jalufka and Dane Oud.
“These outstanding students have demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence throughout their high school journey,” Como-Pickton CISD Superintendent Lydia Walden said. “We are incredibly proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in the future!”
Valedictorian
Valedictorian Cade Childress, son of Adrian and Shiloh Childress of Pickton, has been attending CPCISD since he was in kindergarten and is graduating with a 6.34 weighted grade point average.
Childress plans on attending Texas A&M University to study biology in hopes to become an orthodontist one day.
During his high school career, Childress took several dual credit courses through CPCISD’s partnership with Northeast Texas Community College. The courses he has completed include English, U.S. history, algebra, statistics, economics and government. He has also been involved in Skills USA, Hopkins County Junior Advisory and National Honor Society. During academic University Interscholastic League competitions, he has been competing in science for four years and qualified for regionals once.
For sports, Childress has been a four-time regional track qualifier and district champion for several years. He has been part of baseball for four years, receiving first team All-District his second year. He is a four time regional qualifier in cross country, winning district champion once. He also played basketball all four years and football for two.
To give back, Childress has been part of the Sulphur Springs Work Camp for six years. He has also helped at the annual Sulphur Springs Turkey Trot and at Journey Rode Ministries Foster Care.
Childress thanks his grandfather, Brad Bradford, for his motivational support, helping him to achieve the greatest things he can.
“Persistence is key,”Childress said when asked if he had any advice for other students. “Working to the next goal will increase success through dedication.”
Salutatorian
Salutatorian Saylor Smith, daughter of Brittney and Anthony Smith of Pickton, has been attending CPCISD since she was in kindergarten and is graduating with a 4.0 GPA.
Smith plans on attending the University of Texas at Tyler to get a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. She hopes to become a cardiovascular perfusionist.
“I want to help save lives,” Smith said.
During high school, Smith has taken duel credit speech, English, economics, algebra, statistics, U.S. history and government. She has held the title of NHS vice president and has been active in Spanish club. Smith has also competed in ready writing and editorial writing for UIL competitions.
She was recognized at the CPHS 2026 Homecoming Queen and was nominated as Homecoming Duchess her sophomore year.
For sports, Smith played volleyball, softball and track and field for four years and was also on the varsity basketball team. For volleyball, she was part of the district champion team, three-time bi-district champion, Honorable Mention All-District, District Server of the Year, First Team All-District, District Defensive Player of the Year, four-time Academic All-District, the Texas Sports Writers Association Honorable Mention All-State Middle Blocker and the Texas Girls Coaches Association Academic All-State. In softball, Smith has been a four-time district champion, bi-district champion, three-time area champion, First Team All-District, Academic All-District, two-time regional champion, TSWA Honorable Mention All-State Outfielder, state runner-up and the 2024 TGCA All-State selection. For track and field, she was a three-time regional qualifier in the 100-meter dash and also qualified for regionals in the 200-meter dash. In basketball, she was on the Bi-District champion team, Honorable Mention All-District and Academic All-District.
As part of her volunteer work, Smith has worked with the Wood County District Clerk’s Office, Hoops and Halos, the food bank and has also made food for the homeless.
“I want to thank my parents for everything they’ve done for me. You’ve made a huge difference in my life by always supporting me, encouraging me and helping me stay focused on school,” Smith said. “Even when things were hard, you never gave up one me, and that helped me keep going. I’m really grateful for your patience, love and all the sacrifices you’ve made so I could succeed — I wouldn’t be where I am today without you.”
Smith credits her achievements to keeping a positive mindset and staying disciplined.
“Don’t stress over being perfect, manage your time well, and surround yourself with the right crowd,” Smith said when asked what advice she would give to others.
According to Smith, Como-Pickton will always be her home, and she is proud to be a 13-year Eagle.