From future nurses and engineers to aspiring pilots, researchers, and psychologists, Tyler ISD’s Class of 2026 valedictorians and salutatorians are preparing to make their mark on the world. These six students have distinguished themselves through exceptional academic performance, leadership, and involvement in organizations that have strengthened both their schools and the Tyler community.
Valedictorians
Allie Allen – Early College High School
Plans: Attend either The University of Texas at Austin or the United States Air Force Academy to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Physics. Following graduation, she plans to commission as an Air Force Officer and fly advanced aircraft.
Leadership Roles and Activities: Outstanding Young Citizen Award (Rotary Club); Aim High Flight Academy Certificate of Achievement (U.S. Air Force); District Student of the Month; Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society; National English Honor Society; National Science Honor Society; Biology Outstanding Achievement Award; Student Council President; Co-founder & President of Aviation Club; Exec. Committee Officer (National Honor Society); Vice President of Student Council; National Peer Leader Advisory Council; Sources of Strength (SOS); Senior Leadership Committee (GIVE Girls); Secretary of Apache Aeros & Student Senate; East Texas Bank & Trust Student Board Member; STEM Club Member
Daija Baxter – Tyler High School
Plans: Attend The University of Texas at Austin to major in Nursing and pursue a career as a NICU nurse.
Leadership Roles and Activities: 3-year Brigadette Member; 2-year Brigadette Line Sergeant; National Honor Society; Student Council; Future Leaders of Tyler Member; Representative for the Mary Tyler Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; All A Honor Roll; Excellent Veteran Award; Officer Choice Award; Spirit Girl of the Week Award
Malcolm Jones – Tyler Legacy High School
Plans: Attend The University of Texas at Austin to major in aerospace engineering.
Leadership Roles and Activities: Chamber Orchestra Principal Violist; Varsity Track Team Captain; Engineering Club Founder and President; National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; TMEA All Region Orchestra 2nd Chair Viola all 4 years; National Merit Qualifying Test; Commended Student; Received Division II Ratings at Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest; Texas Music Scholar Award recipient
Salutatorians
Miunna Davis - Early College High School
Plans: Attend The University of Texas at Tyler to major in Nursing and pursue a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Leadership Roles and Activities: UT Tyler Honors College Recipient; Nursing Assistant for CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System; Secretary of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA); Texas Bank and Trust Student Board; Coordinator for ECHS Junior Achievement; Phi Theta Kappa; National Honor Society Rho, Kappa, and Mu Alpha Honor Society
Gabriella Perdomo - Tyler High School
Plans: Attend Baylor University to major in Social Work and pursue a career as a Clinical Psychologist.
Leadership Roles and Activities: Rose City Ambassador; Student Council Vice President; DECA Tyler High Representative; Texas Bank and Trust Student Board of Directors; Senior Leadership Team; National Honor Society; College Board National Recognition: AP Scholar with Honor; College Board Hispanic Recognition Award
Kenadi Carmichael - Tyler Legacy High School
Plans: Attend Brown University to major in Molecular Biology and Genetics and pursue a career in research and development, dreaming of becoming a college professor eventually.
Leadership Roles and Activities: President of Mu Alpha Theta; President of Speech and Debate; National Society of High School Scholars; National Honor Society; Science National Honor Society; Key Club & Chess Club; Texas Bank and Trust Student Board of Directors; Four-time National Qualifier for Speech and Debate; Two-time regional champion for Congress Debate; Four-time State Competitor for CX Debate and Congress; Debate; Two-time VASE Visual Arts state competitor, College Board’s National Academic Achievement; Recognition Award Recipient; Two-time CX Debate district champion; CX Debate District Best Speaker; Junior Achievement involvement; RYLA attendee; UIL competitor (8+ competitions)
Tyler ISD congratulates these outstanding students for their dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments. Their success reflects not only academic excellence, but also the leadership and character that define the Class of 2026.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.