BLUE HILL — George Stevens Academy Head of School Dan Welch announced the 2026 senior honors recipients to the student body at morning assembly, recognizing four exceptional members of the Class of 2026 for academic excellence, leadership and character.
Violette Hermans has earned the distinction of class valedictorian, a reflection of her sustained academic excellence throughout her years at GSA. A recipient of the prestigious Dartmouth Book Award, Violette is also an entrepreneur — she is the owner of a cake pop business she built herself. She will attend Rhode Island College in the fall of 2026.
Lillian Landrum has been named class salutatorian. A recipient of the Bowdoin College Book Award, Lillian is a familiar voice on WERU, Blue Hill’s community radio station, where she hosts a weekly show and has spent time crafting artisan pizzas at Tinderhearth Bakery. She will attend Vassar College in the fall of 2026.
Elizabeth McGaha has been named first essayist. A winner of the Rochester Institute of Technology Science & Math Award, Elizabeth has been recognized by her teachers as among the top 1% of mathematics students to graduate from George Stevens Academy. She has also served as an intern with veteran art teacher Penny Ricker at neighboring Blue Hill Consolidated School. Elizabeth plans to pursue a career in dentistry.
Anna Dovhanych has been named second essayist. A gifted mathematician and artist, Anna is multilingual and has been a standout contributor to GSA’s Steel Revolution program. She has received multiple college acceptances and is weighing her options, with a strong interest in studying architecture.
