Highland High School (HHS) is proud to announce that KaiLani Angiolillo has been named valedictorian of the Class of 2026, and Abigail Paserba is this year’s salutatorian.
            

KaiLani, the daughter of Mark and Lina Angiolillo, earned an outstanding grade point average (GPA) of 103.74. She has taken 14 Advanced Placement (AP) and college-level courses during her time at HHS.


A Highland student since Kindergarten, KaiLani has been deeply involved in school life, holding leadership roles across numerous organizations. She serves as president of the National Art Honor Society and Peer Leadership Club, co-president of Mathletes, and treasurer of both the Multicultural Club and Spanish Honor Society. She is also an active member of the National Honor Society and Interact Club.
            

In athletics, KaiLani has excelled as a multi-sport athlete. She competed in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. In basketball, she earned recognition as an All-Star in the Mid-Hudson Athletic League National Conference and helped lead her team to a Section IX Class A championship.
            

Outside of school, KaiLani volunteers with the Warwick Area Farmworker Organization, supporting migrant families, and assists at a local dental office. She has also been a mental health advocate, organizing activities to promote awareness of mental health issues and using art and social media to support others.
            

While she is still considering her college plans, KaiLani intends to pursue a career in the health field. Reflecting on her high school experience, she shared, “I am incredibly proud of [the Class of 2026] and grateful for the friendships and memories that made these years so meaningful.”
            

Abigail, the daughter of Suzanna Ellison Paserba and Todd Paserba, achieved an impressive GPA of 102.96 while handling a rigorous course schedule of 12 AP and college-level classes.
            

A Highland student since Kindergarten, Abigail has been very active in both academics and athletics. She is an editor for the school newspaper and a member of Yearbook Club, Mathletes, Interact Club, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society.
            

A standout athlete, Abigail has played Varsity Softball since her freshman year and served as team captain in JV Basketball. Her Softball team achieved significant success, including two Section IX Class B championships, a regional championship, and a Final Four appearance. She has also been recognized as a scholar-athlete throughout High School.
            

Outside of school, Abigail volunteers through Interact and the Ascension Holy Trinity Mission Center. She also works part-time as a server, a Summer Fun camp counselor, and a Gameday Crew member for the Highland Central School District.

She will attend Russell Sage College in the fall, where she plans to major in Sports Management on a pre-law track while continuing her softball career at the collegiate level. Her long-term goal is to become a sports lawyer, with a focus on advocating for and empowering athletes.
            

Looking back at her time at Highland, Abigail said, “At the end of the day, it’s the people and the memories we created together that I will miss most.” 
            

Each year, HHS also recognizes the accomplishments of its other high-achieving graduates. Rounding out the Top 10 for the Class of 2026 (in order of rank) are May Maddalena, Rylie Klein, Elizabeth Harris, Kyle Menezes, Saniya Shahid, Samuel Ellis, Alessia Wallen, and Victor Dahowski. 
            

Principal Brandon Opitz commended the students for their achievements. “KaiLani and Abigail, along with the entire Top 10, exemplify the dedication, leadership, and perseverance that define Highland High School,” he said. “Their accomplishments are a source of great pride for our school community.”