Greene Early College celebrates Class of 2026 achievements
Another academic year has come and gone, and Greene Early College High School has had so much to celebrate. On May 7, 2026, the Class of 2026 distinguished itself academically, with graduates earning 16 Associate in Arts, 9 Associate in Science degrees, and 20 Certificates from Lenoir Community College, reflecting Greene Early College’s continued emphasis on college and career readiness.
Days later, the celebration continued on May 12, 2026, when Greene Early College hosted its Second Annual Graduate Awards Banquet. Families, faculty members, friends, and community supporters gathered at Greene County’s Community Center to honor a graduating class whose accomplishments extended far beyond the traditional high school experience. Throughout the evening, students were recognized individually for every personal accomplishment. A meal was also shared, provided by Sra. Zenaida Garcia of Snow Hill, North Carolina.
Among the class’s highest honors, Hunter Winarski earned the distinction of class valedictorian with a 4.75 GPA, and Monica Acevedo was named class salutatorian with a 4.732 GPA. Winarski graduated as a North Carolina Academic Scholar, earned an Associate in Science degree, and an Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology–Private Pilot certificate with High Honors and a perfect 4.0 college GPA, through Lenoir Community College. He plans to attend East Carolina University’s College of Engineering and Technology to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering while continuing to grow and operate Hutski Innovations LLC as an entrepreneur. Acevedo graduated from Lenoir Community College with an Associate in Arts degree and a Nurse Aide Certification, with High Honors and a perfect 4.0 college GPA. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to pursue a career in Radiologic Sciences. She was also recognized for involvement in organizations, including Phi Theta Kappa, Student Government Association, Beta Club, and Hispanic Student Association.
In addition to graduating as valedictorian, Winarski received the 2026 Golden Cougar Community Award, recognizing an extraordinary commitment to service after completing 949 hours of community service during his years at Greene Early College. The award reflected a dedication to serving others and making a lasting impact within both the school and surrounding community.
The Class of 2026 also celebrated three graduates who earned distinction as North Carolina Academic Scholars, a statewide honor recognizing students who complete a rigorous course of study while demonstrating exceptional academic achievement. Those students included Johnny Acevedo-Rodriguez, Adan Sanchez-Martinez, and Hunter Winarski.
Several graduates also distinguished themselves through specialized career pathways and certifications. Pamela Reyes-Hernandez earned credentials in Nurse Aide, Pharmacy Technician, and Nail Technology, while Fernando Nuñez-Mancilla completed studies in Industrial Systems Technology and welding. Students across the graduating class prepared for futures in healthcare, aviation, education, business, skilled trades, and public service through programs completed at Lenoir Community College.
Another highlight of the evening recognized Greene Early College’s Student Scholarship Legacy Leaders, a student-driven initiative founded by Adan Sanchez-Martinez, Johnny Acevedo-Rodriguez, and Isai Gonzalez-Martinez, with Mrs. Connie Faulkner serving as the advisor. Built on the belief in students supporting one another through service and giving back, the group awarded two $500 scholarships and one $1,000 scholarship to graduating seniors through yearlong fundraising efforts. The initiative stood out not only for the funds raised, but for the dedication behind it, as students contributed their own time and resources to guarantee every dollar went directly back to their peers. Their work reflected an unforgettable spirit of generosity and leadership within the Class of 2026.
During Awards Day on May 15, 2026, graduate Silvia Madrigal was named Greene Early College’s Student of the Year. Student Government Association (SGA) advisor Mrs. Elizabeth Meeks shared remarks highlighting Madrigal’s contributions and character. Madrigal was actively involved in SGA, Yearbook, the Hispanic Student Association, and other school activities. Faculty and classmates recognized her as a dependable leader with a positive attitude and strong commitment to service. She helped organize events, support student initiatives, and contribute to projects that united students throughout the year. Known for stepping in wherever needed, she consistently supported school activities and stayed after hours to complete tasks.
The celebration culminated on May 16, 2026, at the Briley Auditorium on the campus of Lenoir Community College, Kinston, NC. In his opening address, Principal Dr. Taylor Moore reflected
on the challenges and opportunities that shaped the Class of 2026, reminding graduates that many moments that once felt like pressure ultimately became opportunities for growth. He encouraged students to embrace responsibility and recognize that challenges often prepare
individuals for future success. “What feels like pressure today may someday become the privilege you appreciate most,” Moore said. He closed by encouraging graduates to own their opportunities, effort, and choices as they move confidently into their next chapter
Salutatorian Monica Acevedo reflected on growth and embracing change, describing a class that entered high school during a period of uncertainty and emerged stronger through shared experiences and determination. “A couple of years ago, most of us wished for this day to come faster, but now that it’s finally here, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed and how much we’ve changed,” Acevedo said. She encouraged classmates to embrace uncertainty and view change as an opportunity rather than something to fear. “Growth only happens when we are willing to embrace change,” Acevedo said. “Although the future may be uncertain, so was freshman year, and look how far we’ve come since then.”
Valedictorian Hunter Winarski reflected on perseverance and the meaning behind graduation traditions, reminding classmates that while graduates stood together in matching caps and gowns, their paths to the stage looked very different.“What makes this moment special is not that we are all wearing the same thing,” Winarski said. “It is that none of our journeys here looked the same.” He reminded graduates that success was not built on perfection, but on persistence through challenges both seen and unseen. “That is what this cap and gown represents,” Winarski said. “Not perfection, but persistence.”
With tassels turned and the ceremony concluded, the Class of 2026 left Greene Early College High School with a strong foundation of academic achievement, leadership, and service. Ultimately, leaving behind a legacy to inspire future generations of Cougars!
Congratulations, Class of 2026.
This article was written by Renee Winarski and Connie Faulkner, Student Success Coaches at Greene Early College High School. As this marks our final article together, we would like to thank the students, families, staf , and community members who have allowed us to share and celebrate the accomplishments of Greene Early College over the years. It has been a privilege to tell these stories and recognize the success of our students.
— Renee Winarski & Connie Faulkner
