Celebrating
Class of 2026 Top Ten
Excellence in Mind, Spirit, and Community: Celebrating the JPII Class of 2026 Top Ten
On May 7, 2026, John Paul II High School gathered to honor a group of young men and women who embody the very pinnacle of the Cardinal spirit. The annual Top Ten Banquet is a prestigious tradition that spotlights the extraordinary dedication required to graduate at the very top of a rigorous academic environment.
A Legacy of Achievement
As President, Ms. Casey Buckstaff noted during her welcome, these students have not only excelled in the classroom but have also contributed in unique ways to the JPII community. To mark their place in school history, each honoree was presented with a unique Top 10 medal to be worn during the 2026 Graduation ceremony.
The 2026 Honorees
The evening was defined by the personal stories of growth and leadership shared by the counselors and the students themselves:
- Karson Aronsson: Recognized for his courage in stepping outside his comfort zone, Karson delivered a commanding performance as Hades in the school musical, Hadestown.
- Theresa (Tessa) Devasia: A student defined by selfless empathy, Tessa was celebrated for her quiet kindness, such as once giving her own glasses to a classmate so they could see the board.
- Sofia Floriani: Sofia was honored for her ability to balance high-level discipline in Mock Trial and AP courses with a joyful spirit that "lifts up the people around her".
- Caroline Grein: A model of quiet determination and consistency, Caroline was praised for her humility and her ability to find deep meaning in everyday moments.
- Eryca Hausner: Celebrated for her "heart and grit," Eryca was recognized for her selfless nature, particularly for her regular participation in blood drives and her welcoming spirit toward younger students.
- Jack Houstoun: Known for his "dry sense of humor and wit," Jack was commended for his intellectual curiosity in Latin and his instinctual, selfless generosity toward others.
- Noah Kempf: Noah’s remarks focused on the power of resilience, reminding his peers that success is found in the ability to "RISE" after a setback.
- Justin Melek: Embodying the mantra "Do or do not—there is no try," Justin was honored for his integrity, leadership, and his multi-faceted talents in the Academic Decathlon and martial arts.
- Dylan Venhaus: A dedicated athlete and scholar, Dylan was praised for his "unanimous" respect from faculty and his remarkable self-motivation as a leader on the swim team.
- Reagan Wiss: Reagan was recognized for her "growth" and her ability to lead with "humility and grace," leaving a lasting impact through her kindness on the basketball court and in the hallways.
Guided by Faith and Mentorship
A hallmark of the evening was the students’ tribute to the faculty members who guided them. From the "support system" described by Tessa Devasia to the "cornerstone of success" Coach Miller provided for Dylan Venhaus, it is clear that the JPII faculty plays a vital role in shaping these future leaders.
As Dean of Academics, Mrs. Kelly Slate concluded that these achievements reflect not just academic success, but also the "commitment, perseverance, and growth" of the person each student has become. We congratulate our Top Ten and look forward to the "extraordinary things" their futures hold.
About John Paul II High School
John Paul II High School (JPII) is the premier Catholic, coeducational, college-preparatory institution in Collin County, Texas, offering a supportive, faith-based environment where students excel academically and grow spiritually. JPII emphasizes a challenging curriculum, including AP and honors courses, to prepare students for top universities.