Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Florida Atlantic University High School celebrated the achievements of its graduating Class of 2026 during an inspiring commencement ceremony that highlighted academic excellence, groundbreaking research, leadership, athletics, and service.
The ceremony honored 176 graduates who completed one of the nation’s most rigorous secondary education programs, a fully dual-enrolled model that immerses students in university coursework beginning in ninth grade and full-time college studies by sophomore year.
“This is no ordinary graduation,” student speaker Jake Dalessio told the audience. “We are celebrating not just years of hard work, but graduates who have conducted and published research, earned National Merit recognition, and received prestigious scholarships and grants.”
The Class of 2026 continued Florida Atlantic University High School’s tradition of excellence with a 100% graduation rate and an impressive list of accomplishments across academics, research, athletics, and leadership.
During the ceremony, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Stacy Volnick recognized the extraordinary achievements of the graduating class, including 43 National Merit Commended Students, two National Merit Semifinalists, and 20 National Merit Scholars. “This accomplishment is truly impressive,” Volnick said. “More than 1.5 million high school juniors across the country competed for this high honor, and finalists represent less than one percent of the nation’s graduating seniors.”
Among the evening’s most celebrated recognitions was senior Danylo Fedkiv, recipient of the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the nation’s premier undergraduate STEM research fellowship. Fedkiv’s work in neurophysiology and environmental chemistry has already earned him multiple university research grants and presentations at major scientific symposia.
The ceremony also recognized 12 students who earned their bachelor’s degrees from Florida Atlantic University before receiving their high school diplomas. Graduates completed degrees in fields including neuroscience and behavior, finance, psychology, economics, computer engineering, criminal justice, and biological sciences.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the unique nature of the FAU High School experience, in which students balance college coursework, undergraduate research, athletics, and leadership opportunities, years ahead of their peers.
Highlights from the Class of 2026 include:
Principal Lauren Robinson praised the faculty and staff who guide students through the demanding accelerated program while also recognizing the school’s strong sense of community. “We are fortunate to have the best faculty in the country, one that can take students as young as 14 years old and transform them into college students in just 10 months,” Robinson said.
The ceremony also included a special military appointment recognition for Faith Brueck, who received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, where she will compete as a Level 10 gymnast while preparing to serve the nation as a future officer.
In addition to academic achievements, the Class of 2026 demonstrated a remarkable commitment to research and innovation. Fifty-two students participated in advanced research courses alongside university faculty and scientists, resulting in 17 peer-reviewed publications and nearly $105,000 in grant funding.
Students conducted research at institutions including the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, and the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute.
The graduating class also contributed more than 47,000 hours of community service, with 43 students completing more than 500 hours of volunteer work. Senior Alexandra Hickey was individually recognized for contributing more than 1,500 hours of service to organizations throughout Palm Beach County.
Athletics and extracurricular programs also played a major role in students’ high school experiences. FAU High teams earned district championships, regional appearances, academic team titles, and all-county honors, while students competed successfully in organizations such as Mock Trial, Speech and Debate, Science Olympiad, Model United Nations, DECA, and Mu Alpha Theta.