Kassandra Clow, a senior at Umatilla High School, has been named valedictorian of the Class of 2026 while setting a new school record with a 5.58 GPA, school officials confirmed.

Kassandra completed the rigorous Cambridge AICE program in just two years, earning her AICE Diploma with Merit by sophomore year and securing the Bright Futures Academic Scholar scholarship. She also earned an Associate in Sciences degree through dual enrollment at Lake Sumter State College.

“To be valedictorian of the Class of 2026 is a huge honor,” Kassandra says. “This is something I’ve worked toward for a long time, so achieving it truly feels like all of my hard work has paid off.”

Kassandra follows in the footsteps of her sister, Lexie Clow, who was valedictorian two years ago for the Umatilla High graduating class of 2024 . “She has always been someone I’ve looked up to, and for as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to be like her,” Kassandra says. “Reaching this point and earning the same title she held is a special moment in my journey.”

Her accomplishments extend well beyond academics. Kassandra participated in JV cheerleading, JV and varsity soccer, and played girls golf all four years, serving as team captain. She was involved in clubs including You’re Not Alone, Students Working Against Tobacco, Turning Point USA, the Student Mentorship Program, and served as secretary of the National Honor Society.

She volunteered as a peer tutor for more than four years, acted in the Connie Rhea ALS Invitational EMS competition, and helped with Thanksgiving food drives and Christmas toy drives. Kassandra also works as a Publix cashier and a lifeguard for the City of Umatilla.

Kassandra is graduating high school already with her associate’s degree in hand which she earned from Lake-Sumter State College. She will continue her undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida’s Judy Genshaft Honors College, majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Business. Her long-term goal is to attend dental school, earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, and eventually own her own dental practice.

But when Kassandra starts at USF this upcoming fall she won’t be the only one attending. She will be bringing her cat Harley along with her. Kassandra loves Harley to pieces and Harley is a registered emotional support animal who will no doubt be very happy to come along for the ride.

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She credited several people for her success, starting with her family. “My parents, Natasha and Richard Clow, and my sister, Lexie Clow, have been my biggest support system,” she says. She also praised Amanda Carl as her “biggest supporter and number one cheerleader,” along with her AICE teachers and the staff at Lakeview Comprehensive Dentistry, where she shadowed.

Kassandra highlighted Umatilla High Principal Brent Frazier’s leadership. “Much of Umatilla High School’s academic success comes from not only having Mr. Frazier as its leader, but also from the incredible team of teachers he has built,” she says, noting his role as a positive influence from middle school onward. Umatilla High has had one of the biggest turnarounds academically in the state under Principal Frazier’s guidance.

One of her favorite high school memories includes scoring her first hat trick in soccer, discussing Taylor Swift conspiracy theories with a teacher, and casual moments like playing Nintendo Switch in a staff member’s office.

Despite facing a rare auto-inflammatory disorder called Hyper IgD syndrome (HIDS) that causes episodes of high fever, joint swelling and other symptoms, Kassandra emphasizes perseverance. “Living with this syndrome hasn’t always made my journey easy. There have been days when I didn’t feel my best and days when showing up was the hardest part. But it taught me perseverance and the importance of pushing forward despite facing challenges. Being where I am today is proof that challenges don’t define limits, they can help shape your determination to succeed.”

Her advice to younger students: Success comes from consistent effort. “Being ‘the smartest person in the room’ isn’t really about natural ability,” Kassandra says. “It’s about the work you’re willing to put in when no one is watching.”

She also drew inspiration from Taylor Swift’s lyrics in “Fifteen”: “In your life, you’ll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team.” “While it’s a lyric rather than direct personal advice, it’s something that really stuck with me and helped me put things into perspective during high school. It reminds me that what feels important in the moment isn’t always what will define your future.

As Kassandra gets ready to graduate, she has had time to reflect fondly on her time at Umatilla High. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have attended Umatilla High School,” she says, praising the Cambridge AICE program and the school’s “small-town Bulldog Pride.“