Midland Education Foundation Honors Midland ISD’s Top Seniors
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Midland Education Foundation Honors Midland ISD’s Top Seniors
April 24, 2026 - Midland Education Foundation (MEF) hosted its annual Shining Stars Breakfast today, recognizing Midland ISD’s highest-achieving graduating seniors and awarding scholarships in celebration of their academic excellence.
The Shining Stars Breakfast honors the Top 10 students from both Midland High School and Legacy High School, the Valedictorians from Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) and Early College High School (ECHS), and the Honor Student from Coleman High School. Students attended alongside their parents and were recognized for their academic accomplishments, leadership, and dedication.
“At the Midland Education Foundation, we believe in celebrating and investing in student success,” said Anita Gamertsfelder, Director of the Midland Education Foundation. “Through these scholarships, we are not only celebrating their achievements but also investing in the incredible potential they carry into the future.”
In addition to honoring students, the event highlighted the role of community partnerships in strengthening public education. Scholarships were awarded through the generosity of the J Roberts Jones Charitable Trust, the Pevehouse Family Foundation, and the Midland Education Foundation.
“Today, we celebrate more than academic achievement. We celebrate resilience, determination, and the bright promise our top graduates carry into the future,” said Dr. Stephanie Howard, Midland ISD Superintendent. “I could not be more proud of who they are and who they are becoming, and I have no doubt they will go on to lead, serve, and make a lasting impact wherever their journeys take them.”
2026 Midland Education Foundation’s Shining Stars Honorees
Midland High School – Top 10
- Gabriela Mata Garcia
- Gavin Gray
- Adalise Thompson
- Noah Lopez
- Easton Stepan
- Lorelei Parrish
- Lillian Earl
- Abigail Gutierrez
- Edith Olivo
- Milana King
Legacy High School – Top 10
- Olivia Lee
- Abigail Van Husen
- Yuki Soda
- Mary Wetendorf
- Madeline Rhoads
- Ilyann Nagues
- Hadrian Urquidi
- Daniellys Marquez-Dominguez
- Rachel Hoffman
- Lelia Luna
Young Women’s Leadership Academy - Valedictorian
- Lauren Ramos
Early College High School - Valedictorian
- Luther Mbakwa
Coleman High School - Top Graduating Senior
- Josiah Herrera
The Shining Stars Breakfast serves as a reminder of the extraordinary talent within Midland ISD and the power of community investment in public education.
About Midland Education Foundation
The Midland Education Foundation (MEF) exists to promote excellence in education by generating and distributing additional resources for the benefit of Midland ISD students and employees. Through community partnerships and donor generosity, the MEF invests in the future of Midland students and the strength of our community.
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Media Contact:
Emily Holeva
Midland Education Foundation
emily.holeva@midlandisd.net