Midway High School has announced its top graduates for the Class of 2026, recognizing two outstanding students whose accomplishments reflect excellence in academics, leadership, service, and involvement both on campus and in the community.
Valedictorian honors were awarded to Zoe Betancis, daughter of Randy and Candice Betancis of Woodway. Throughout her time at Midway High School, Zoe has distinguished herself as an exceptional student leader and scholar. She is a four-year Spirit of Midway recipient and has earned recognition as a National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, College Board First Generation Recognition recipient, and College Board Hispanic Recognition recipient.
Zoe has been deeply involved in student leadership and service organizations, serving as a Student Council officer and HOSA officer while competing twice at the state level through HOSA. She has also dedicated her time to PALS, Best Buddies, and National Honor Society, consistently making a positive impact on those around her.
Outside of school, Zoe volunteers at Ascension Providence Hospital, serves with Waco Challenger Little League, and is an Eucharistic Minister at St. Louis Catholic Church. She also works as a social media marketer, balancing academics, leadership, service, and professional experience with excellence.
This fall, Zoe will attend Rice University, where she plans to study Chemistry.
Salutatorian honors were awarded to Stella Raimondo, daughter of Claudia and Jeff Raimondo of Waco. Stella has built an impressive record of academic achievement, leadership, and artistic excellence during her time at Midway High School. She was recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar, National Hispanic Scholar, and earned a Gold Medal on the National Spanish Exam. Her talents in the visual arts were also recognized with two VASE Gold Seals, one of the highest honors awarded through the Texas Art Education Association. She is also a member of National Honor Society.
At Midway, Stella has been deeply involved in campus life as a four-year member of the MHS Goal Tenders Dance Team, president of Spanish Club, a member of Student Council, and a four-year recipient of the Spirit of Midway award. Outside of school, she has continued her passion for dance through Joy’s School of Dance Company and serves as an acolyte and active member of the youth group at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church.
This fall, Stella will attend The University of Texas at Austin, where she plans to major in Biology as part of the prestigious CNS Polymathic Scholars program.
“Zoe and Stella represent the very best of Midway High School,” said MHS Principal Alison Smith. “Their dedication to excellence, leadership, and service has left a lasting impact on our campus community, and we are excited to see all they accomplish in the future.”
