North Augusta High School has taken over USC Aiken's Convocation Center and the Class of 2026 will receive their diplomas in the next few minutes. It's our pleasure to introduce this year's Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
Kennedy Ryan Rodgers, Valedictorian of the North Augusta High Class of 2026, plans to attend the University of South Carolina Honors College after graduation to pursue a dual-degree in Sports Media and Statistics on track to become a Sports Reporter/Analyst specialized in women’s basketball.
During her time at North Augusta High, she served as the captain of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team, treasurer of Future Business Leaders of America and Beta Club, and sports anchor for the Yellow Jacket News Show. Outside of school, Kennedy is a covenant partner at Fairview Presbyterian Church and a co-leader for Blood Cancer United Student Visionaries of the Year, where her team raised $8,500 for Blood Cancer Research. She also is a Summer Nanny and Riverview Tennis Camp Counselor.
In her free time, Kennedy enjoys watching women’s basketball, especially the South Carolina Lady Gamecocks and the Atlanta Dream, playing tennis, and hanging out with friends and family. Additionally, she runs a social media account where she commentates on women’s basketball.
Sophia Leoncia Lafont, Salutatorian of the North Augusta High Class of 2026, plans to attend the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where she will join the Honors College.
While at North Augusta High, Sophia was engaged in various extracurricular activities. She served as Long Distance Captain of both the Varsity Track and Cross Country Teams, Vice President of both North Augusta's Future Business Leaders of America chapter and the Student Body, and an Anchor of the Yellow Jacket News Show. She is also a member of Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and Battle Of the Books and has participated in the Varsity Swim Team.
In her free time Sophia plays guitar and sings for residents at local senior living facilities. In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Sophia works at the Wilson Family YMCA and Hammond Hill Suburban Club as both a lifeguard and swim instructor and enjoys reading, running, and attending concerts. She has played piano, guitar, and French Horn for years and sung as a member of the North Augusta High School Advanced Choir, reflecting her long-standing dedication to music.
Congratulations to Kennedy and Sophia and the Class of 2026! #ACPSD2026Grads #ACPSDCelebrates #ACPSDGraduation