Martinsville City Public Schools recently honored its 2026 Superintendent’s Award recipients during a recognition breakfast held Friday, May15, at Chatmoss Country Club.
The Superintendent’s Award is the highest academic honor presented by MCPS and recognizes students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or higher.
During the ceremony, each student received a cord to wear during graduation in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement.
This year’s keynote speaker was Martinsville High School alum Jyshir Plunkett (’25), who encouraged the seniors to recognize the dedication and perseverance that led to their success.
“Your success did not happen by accident,” Plunkett told students. “You did not arrive at this moment by luck alone. Your achievements are the product of discipline, resilience, prayer, support, and determination.”
Plunkett acknowledged that each student reached this milestone through different experiences and challenges, while emphasizing the importance of persistence and character.
“The challenges you faced did not simply test your intelligence, they developed your character, and character will take you places that talent alone cannot,” he said.
He also encouraged students to use their talents and influence to positively impact their communities and those around them.
“Be people of integrity. Be people of compassion. Be people who uplift others instead of tearing them down. And never become so successful that you forget how to be kind,” Plunkett said.
The following students earned the Superintendent’s Award — Jemea Leshay, Craghead Kamori Re Yanna Dillard, Zaniah Ariana Dillard, Jahrine Ezekiel Jones, Aerran Elysia Kellam, Jun Hermes Olea, and Kaira Merci Womack.
