WORCESTER — The Worcester County Superintendents’ Association Scholars’ Recognition honors high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to community service.
Each year, this recognition celebrates students who have reached the top of their class while making a meaningful impact in their schools and communities. The Class of 2026 honorees represent the very best of Worcester Public Schools, reflecting not only high academic achievement, but also the character and dedication that will guide their future success.
Burncoat High School
Yvonne Roberts
Yvonne is a bright light in the Burncoat community. Her innate leadership and advocacy skills shine through in everything she does—particularly as the President of Burncoat's Black Student Union, and as a student delegate to the Worcester School Committee. Academically, Yvonne has worked hard to be at the top of her class and she is most proud of her work in the Innovation Career Pathways Program that has allowed her to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Yvonne exemplifies Patriot Pride and is extremely deserving of this recognition.
Claremont Academy
Carol Somersall Feliz (Valedictorian)
Carol’s academic achievements and active involvement in community service make her a standout member of our school community. Her dedication to her academic growth is remarkable; she is graduating high school with 18 college credits through the Early College program with Worcester State and QCC, as well as courses at Clark University. Carol has been an active member in both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society and has earned the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction in Spanish.
Doherty Memorial High School
Kleri Morcka
Kleri is a student defined by her dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence, which have set her apart from the start. Her accomplishments include interning at the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and holding leadership positions for the National Honor Society and student government. Kleri also embodies remarkable discipline, having practiced karate for ten years to earn her black belt, and she follows the guiding principle: “Always be a first version of yourself, and not a second rate version of someone else."
Elena Melka
Elena has distinguished herself through remarkable dedication, strong academic performance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her academic achievements include receiving the Brown University Book Award, a National Recognition Program Award, and the 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Award. Elena is further set apart by her passion for the environment, demonstrated through her research for the Harvard Forest and the creation of her own video game to educate people on the threats facing the rainforest.
North High School
Tammy T. Do
Tammy is an exceptional senior at North High School who stands out for her academic excellence, determination, and well-rounded interests. Ranked 1st in her class of 289 with an outstanding 4.85 weighted GPA, Tammy has consistently challenged herself through a rigorous schedule that includes Advanced Placement and Early College courses. Beyond the classroom, Tammy is known as a thoughtful and supportive peer who enjoys theatre, debate, and engaging with others.
Milene G. Novoa
Milene is an outstanding senior at North High School who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and resilience. Ranked 2nd in her class of 289 with a 4.83 weighted GPA, she has completed an impressive 14 honors and 10 AP courses. Milene serves as President of the National Honor Society and is a dedicated student-athlete who competes in varsity cross country and track and field, consistently giving back to her community through service.
South High Community School
Caleb Som
Caleb is an exceptional and highly accomplished student and a proud member of the Goddard Scholars Academy. Ranked #2 in a class of 434, he has consistently pursued the most rigorous coursework, completing nine AP classes with outstanding success and continuing with four more in his senior year. A recipient of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship, Caleb pairs his academic excellence with genuine intellectual curiosity, particularly in biology, where he demonstrates deep analytical thinking.
Jordan Dennett
Jordan has distinguished himself throughout high school through leadership, service, athletics, and academic commitment. He has served as co-captain of the Cross Country team, mentoring younger athletes and leading by example. Jordan has been actively involved in numerous organizations including Science Olympiad, DECA, and Mock Trial. Outside of school, Jordan has volunteered for four years with Andy’s Attic and serves as a Madrich at his synagogue, mentoring and teaching younger students.
University Park Campus School
Rediet Abayneh
Rediet is an accomplished scholar and an incredible leader in her community. Academically, she has been recognized as a Martin Luther King Jr. Poetry Contest winner and a recipient of the prestigious Harvard Book Award. She has also contributed as a researcher and co-author on a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) book at Clark University. This fall, Rediet will attend Columbia University in New York City on a full scholarship.
Worcester Technical High School
Katie Lam
Katie has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement as the Valedictorian for the class of 2026. She has earned 15 college credits through the Early College Worcester program and serves as president of three organizations: SkillsUSA, National Honor Society, and the Asian Student Union. Katie’s leadership and commitment to community are further evident through her work in the Early Childhood Technical program and her volunteer work as a Unified Track and Basketball partner.
Nelson Tetteh
Nelson demonstrated exceptional initiative and curiosity by completing an internship with Dr. Craig Mello at the Nobel Laureates Lab. As Worcester Tech’s Salutatorian, Nelson founded the school’s STEM Club and showcased his passion for science by co-developing a research proposal on antibiotic resistance. He has also shown strong leadership and global awareness by building a website to support a school in Ghana.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026
The Worcester Public Schools and the Worcester County Superintendents’ Association extend their heartiest congratulations to these exceptional scholars. Their hard work, leadership, and dedication serve as an inspiration to the entire community. We look forward to seeing all they will achieve as they embark on their next chapters.