McNicholas Recognizes Academic Top Ten for the Class of 2026

May 1, 2026

McNicholas High School proudly celebrates the Academic Top Ten of the Class of 2026, recognizing students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in the classroom while making a lasting impact on the school community through leadership, service, and involvement.

These 10 students have achieved the highest weighted cumulative grade point average up to and including the third quarter of their senior year:

Natalie Cox
Attending: University of Cincinnati
Studying: Environmental Engineering
Natalie credits McNicholas for helping her build meaningful friendships and a strong sense of community through academics, athletics, and extracurriculars. Her Kairos experience, particularly serving as a leader, was transformative in strengthening her faith and leadership. She looks forward to new challenges at Cincinnati while continuing to grow and serve others.

Josephine Fortin
Attending: Villanova University
Studying: Exploratory Arts
Josephine found a constant source of support in the McNicholas community, where she built lasting relationships across academics, athletics, and the arts. Deeply influenced by the performing arts program, she developed confidence and creativity. She looks forward to exploring her identity and passions in college.

Sarah Hutchinson
Attending: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Studying: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Sarah thrived in McNicholas’ supportive environment, where she built strong friendships and developed as both a student and athlete. Volleyball played a key role in shaping her leadership and discipline. She is excited to continue both her academic and athletic career at MIT.

Grace McCafferty
Attending: The Ohio State University
Studying: International Affairs (Pre-Law)
Grace embraced the wide range of opportunities at McNicholas, particularly in athletics and service. Her experiences helped shape her character, teaching her discipline, leadership, and the importance of personal growth. She looks forward to expanding her horizons at Ohio State.

Lauren Radtke
Attending: University of South Carolina
Studying: Neuroscience & Political Science
Lauren highlights the unmatched support of the McNicholas community, where every success is shared and celebrated. Influenced by Kairos, Appalachia, and varsity volleyball—including a state championship—she developed a strong sense of faith and leadership. She is eager to build new communities in college.

Allison Runte
Attending: The Ohio State University
Studying: Health and Human Services (Exploratory)
Allison values the relationships she built at McNicholas and credits her involvement in athletics and student ministry for shaping her into a confident leader. Serving as a Kairos Rector and team captain were defining experiences. She looks forward to new opportunities and continued growth in college.

Addison Russo
Attending: The Ohio State University
Studying: Biomedical Engineering
Addison discovered new strengths and passions through her involvement in service and the performing arts. The welcoming McNicholas community helped her grow in confidence and curiosity. She is excited to take on independence and new experiences at Ohio State.

Kaelin Timko
Attending: The Ohio State University
Studying: Aerospace Engineering
Kaelin credits McNicholas with helping him grow academically and personally by challenging himself and staying involved. Guided by strong mentorship, he developed a passion for engineering and service. He looks forward to a fresh start and new challenges in college.

Kennedy Trapp
Attending: University of Dayton
Studying: Finance
Kennedy’s McNicholas experience was shaped by meaningful friendships, faculty relationships, and impactful service experiences like Appalachia. She grew by stepping outside her comfort zone and embracing new opportunities. She is excited to continue her education in a Catholic environment at Dayton.

Annemarie Wolfer
Attending: University of Notre Dame
Studying: Mechanical Engineering
Annemarie embraced every opportunity at McNicholas, striving to be a “yes person” and pushing beyond her comfort zone. The theater community played a significant role in her personal growth and confidence. She looks forward to new experiences and connections at Notre Dame.

The Academic Top Ten exemplifies McNicholas High School's mission, combining academic excellence with leadership, faith, and a commitment to serving others. As they move on to colleges and universities across the country, they carry with them the values and spirit of the McNicholas community.

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