Brazoswood and Brazosport high schools have announced the valedictorians and salutatorians for the Class of 2026. These students have demonstrated exceptional achievement through academics, leadership, extracurricular involvement, athletics, and community service during their time in Brazosport ISD.
At Brazoswood High School, Elizabeth Ahn has earned the distinction of valedictorian. Throughout high school, Ahn maintained “A” Honor Roll status while completing advanced coursework, dual credit classes, and earning her associate degree. Her accomplishments include recognition as an AP Scholar with Honor, receiving the Computer Science Merit Award for three consecutive years, and selection into the Texas Leadership Scholars Program.
Ahn served as president of the International Travel Club and secretary of Mu Alpha Theta and was actively involved in the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. A defining part of her high school experience was participating in the ENGin Program, where she taught English to Ukrainian students for four consecutive years. She also volunteered extensively through BISD organizations and community events.
Following graduation, Ahn plans to attend University of Southern California to study Human Technology Interaction through the Iovine and Young Academy, combining her interests in technology, business, and design.
Sara Katherine Athon has been named Brazoswood High School salutatorian. Athon balanced rigorous academics with involvement in engineering, art, language studies, and service throughout high school. She has been involved in the Brazoswood Rocketry Program since sophomore year, serving as Project Manager for the junior team, Freebird, and currently as Space Shot Coordinator for the senior team, Goddard 2026 “Fin,” working with the team toward its goal of becoming the first high school program to reach the boundary of space by 2032.
Athon has also been an active member of the Brazoswood Art Program, participating annually in the Houston Rodeo Art Competition and Brazoria County Fair competitions, earning recognition this year as a Houston Rodeo Art Competition Finalist. In addition, she earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish after completing five years of Spanish coursework, including AP Spanish IV and Spanish V.
Outside the classroom, Athon volunteered through STEM camps, community events, and service projects supporting students, teachers, and local organizations. She plans to attend Texas A&M University to study aerospace engineering and pursue a career in project management within the aerospace industry.
At Brazosport High School, Sophie Michele Stowers has earned the title of valedictorian. Stowers excelled both academically and athletically throughout high school, ranking first in her class while completing honors, Advanced Placement, and dual credit coursework. A four-time UIL State swimming qualifier, she earned five individual UIL State medals during her career. She is also a four-time district champion and record holder in the backstroke and butterfly, a three-time regional champion and record holder in the backstroke, and a four-time regional champion and record holder in the butterfly. Her accomplishments earned her recognition as a TISCA First Team selection three out of her four high school years.
Beyond athletics and academics, Stowers demonstrated leadership through National Honor Society and by founding two community initiatives, Ever After Collective and Second Chances, which provide clothing, formalwear, hygiene items, and other essentials to students and families in need. Following graduation, she plans to attend Texas A&M University to study chemical engineering while pursuing her pilot’s license, and she hopes to encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM.
Ashley Blanco has been named Brazosport High School salutatorian. Blanco’s high school journey reflects perseverance, resilience, and academic excellence as she graduated second in her class with a GPA of 102.5508.
Throughout high school, Blanco was actively involved in Business Professionals of America, HOSA, Student Council, National Honor Society, and National Spanish Honor Society. She currently serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society and advanced to BPA Nationals twice, earning honors in Health Science Presentation at both the regional and state levels.
Her academic accomplishments include numerous Student of the Year honors, recognition as an AP Scholar with Honor, and selection as a College Board National First Generation Recognition Program recipient. She also earned National Healthcareer Association certifications as both an EKG Technician and Patient Care Technician.
Blanco’s commitment to service included implementing “Connect More” through National Honor Society, encouraging students to build relationships with elderly community members through games and conversation. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in medicine with goals of becoming either a pediatric oncologist or family medicine physician.
“These students represent the very best of Brazosport ISD,” said Superintendent Danny Massey. “Their dedication, leadership, perseverance, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on their schools and community. We are proud of their accomplishments and excited to see the difference they will make in the future.”
