Congratulations to the Top 10 students from Chelsea High School’s Class of 2026, recognized for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence throughout their high school journey.
Leo Baushke
Leo Baushke is a well-rounded and accomplished student who has demonstrated excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. He earned SEC All-Academic honors and is a member of the National Honor Society, reflecting his strong academic performance and commitment to learning. Leo was also a standout member of the Quiz Bowl team, earning MVP honors in both 2025 and 2026. He will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Leo was actively involved in music, participating in Marching Band, Concert Band, and Wind Symphony. He also competed in varsity and JV soccer, played on the JV tennis team, and contributed to the Northport Youth Sailing School as both a student and instructor.
Leo’s achievements include receiving the Portrait of a Graduate Award, recognizing his character and contributions to his school community.
His favorite memory from CHS is spending time with friends at Coney Island after taking the SAT, enjoying good food and celebrating the moment together.
After graduation, Leo plans to attend the Michigan State University Honors College to study astronomy.
His parents are Sam and Claire Baushke.
Samantha Bieber
Samantha Bieber is a highly accomplished student-athlete, musician, and leader who has demonstrated excellence across academics, athletics, and the arts. A four-year varsity tennis player and team captain her junior and senior years, she achieved remarkable success, including becoming the 2024 Michigan Division III State Champion at No. 2 singles. She earned All-Conference honors from 9th through 11th grade, was a two-time regional champion, and received All-State recognition at No. 1 singles her junior year.
Samantha also competed in varsity cross country for four years, serving as captain her senior year and qualifying for the state meet each season. She earned All-Conference honors all four years, All-Region recognition her senior year, and qualified individually for the state finals. Additionally, she was a state qualifier in track during her sophomore year.
In the arts, Samantha was deeply involved in music as a four-year member and senior-year concertmaster of the Chelsea High School Symphony Orchestra. She also served as concertmaster of the Jackson Youth Symphony Orchestra and is a founding member of the student-led Americana band Kedron, performing at local venues for three years.
Her academic achievements include earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy and AP Scholar recognition, as well as being named a DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest nominee. She was also honored as a Portrait of a Graduate recipient and recognized as a finalist for both the Citizenship and Excellence Awards at Chelsea High School. In addition, Chelsea High School has nominated her for WXYZ’s Brightest & Best. Samantha will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
Samantha has demonstrated a strong commitment to service through her involvement in Interact Club, Link Crew, and National Honor Society. She volunteered as a coach and assistant at youth tennis camps for three summers and contributed to service initiatives such as the CROP Hunger Walk, Midwest Missions rice packing, eyeglass sorting for the Lions Club, and fundraising for ShelterBox and Ozone House.
Her favorite memory from CHS was performing at the Michigan Music Conference during her senior year, an experience that highlighted her passion for music and collaboration.
After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Michigan to study engineering, where she also hopes to continue playing violin in a student orchestra.
Her parents are Brian and Christin Bieber.
Amelia Fulton
Amelia Fulton is a well-rounded and accomplished student with a strong passion for academics, the arts, and innovation. She has been actively involved in Chelsea Robotics and the Chelsea House Orchestra, demonstrating both technical skill and musical talent. Their team earned the title of Impact State Champion, highlighting their dedication and teamwork in robotics.
Academically, Amelia has been recognized as an AP Scholar and earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy, reflecting excellence in both rigorous coursework and language proficiency. She is a member of National Honor Society and will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
Her favorite memory from CHS was traveling to Europe over the summer, where they had the opportunity to explore historic landmarks and experience diverse cultures.
After graduation, Amelia plans to attend the Michigan State University College of Engineering to pursue a degree in environmental engineering.
Amelia’s parents are Bryan and Stephanie Fulton.
Mireille Hunter
Mireille Hunter is a driven student leader and dedicated athlete who has excelled in academics, athletics, and service throughout high school. She is the co-founder and president of STEM Club and has played a key role in fostering collaboration and interest in science and technology at her school.
A four-year member of the cross country team and three-year varsity runner, Mireille served as team captain her senior year. She also competed in track for two years. Her commitment to running extends beyond school athletics, as she has completed three half marathons during high school and ran a full marathon in her junior year.
In leadership and service, Mireille served as Communications Manager for Peer to Peer during her sophomore and junior years and as National Honor Society President during her junior and senior years. She also volunteered with the Chelsea District Library through the YSG program and participated in the Pedlow’s Personal Finance Team.
Academically, she earned the AP Scholar with Distinction award, recognizing her strong performance in advanced coursework. Mireille will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
Her favorite memory from CHS is competing at the state meet for cross country during her junior year, a milestone that reflects her dedication to the sport throughout all four years of high school.
After graduation, Mireille plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in physics.
Her parents are Tara Master-Hunter and Zachary Hunter.
Dane McCarley
Dane McCarley is an accomplished student leader with a strong record of academic achievement and extracurricular involvement. He has been an active participant in Track & Field, demonstrating dedication and perseverance as a student-athlete. Dane also served as Editor-in-Chief of the CHS Bleuprint, showcasing his leadership, communication skills, and commitment to student journalism.
His academic excellence is reflected in earning Academic Letters in 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as being recognized as Student of the Month in October 2025. Dane is a member of the National Honor Society and has contributed to his school community as a Link Leader during the 2024–2025 school year and as a member of the SRSLY program. In addition, he will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
After graduation, Dane plans to attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he will study mechanical engineering and pursue his passion for innovation and problem-solving.
His parents are Damon and Brandi McCarley.
Brenna Taylor
Brenna Taylor is a driven student-athlete and leader who has made a lasting impact through her excellence in athletics, academics, and service. As a four-year varsity starter and 2025 captain of the field hockey team, she earned First Team All-State honors in 2023, 2024, and 2025 and was named to the 2024 Michigan Dream Team. She also received multiple SEC honors and was recognized with team awards including MVP, Unsung Hero, and the Sportsmanship Award.
On the tennis court, Brenna was a four-year varsity player and senior captain, helping lead her team to three regional championships. She earned All-State honors in 2024 as part of a Division 2 State Runner-Up doubles team and returned in 2025 to compete in the state semifinals, earning All-State Honorable Mention.
In the classroom, Brenna was recognized with the MHSAA SEC Academic Award and named an NFHCA Scholar of Distinction. She has also demonstrated strong leadership and service, serving as Vice President of the National Honor Society and as a two-year Co-President of Peer to Peer. Her involvement extends to Interact Club, Arbor Club, and Link Crew, along with working as a counselor and childcare provider at Camp Gabika. In addition, she earned six top ratings at MSBOA Solo and Ensemble for her work on double bass. She will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
Her favorite memory from CHS was winning the state championship with her field hockey team during her junior year, a moment that captured the teamwork and dedication that defined her high school experience.
After graduation, Brenna plans to attend the University of Michigan to study psychology.
Her parents are Rob Taylor and Angela Menegay.
Lucia Taylor
Lucia Taylor is an exceptional student-athlete and leader who has demonstrated excellence in athletics, academics, and service. A four-year varsity starter in field hockey, she earned First Team All-State honors in 2022, 2023, and 2025, along with SEC recognition multiple years. As a team captain in 2025, she was honored with both the MVP and Unsung Hero awards and was named an NFHCA Scholar of Distinction.
In tennis, Lucia was a four-year varsity player and captain, contributing to three regional championship teams. She earned All-State honors in 2024, helped lead her team to a Division 2 State Runner-Up finish that same year, and returned in 2025 to compete as a state semifinalist while earning All-State Honorable Mention recognition.
Academically, Lucia received a National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation, as well as SEC and MHSAA Academic Awards, highlighting her commitment to excellence in the classroom. She will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
Beyond athletics, Lucia has been deeply involved in her school and community. She serves as Secretary of the National Honor Society and is a seven-year member and two-year Co-President of Peer to Peer. She has also participated in Interact Club, Arbor Club, and Link Crew. Musically, she earned six top ratings at MSBOA Solo and Ensemble for double bass. Additionally, she has worked as a counselor and childcare provider for Chelsea School District’s Camp Gabika.
Her favorite memory from CHS is co-captaining the field hockey team alongside her sister and playing tennis with her closest friends, experiences that made her high school career especially meaningful.
After graduation, Lucia plans to attend the University of Michigan, where she intends to pursue a career as an occupational therapist.
Her parents are Rob Taylor and Angela Menegay.
Noah Stone
Noah Stone is an engaged student-athlete and leader who has been actively involved in both athletics and school leadership. He competed in varsity soccer while also participating in club soccer, demonstrating dedication, teamwork, and a strong competitive spirit.
In addition to athletics, Noah contributed to his school community through Student Council, Link Crew, and the National Honor Society, reflecting his commitment to leadership and service. He will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
His favorite memory from CHS is simply spending time with friends during lunch, creating lasting friendships and everyday moments he will always value.
After graduation, Noah plans to attend the University of Michigan to study business.
His parents are David and Tara Stone.
Benjamin Van Hoek
Benjamin Van Hoek is a dedicated student-athlete and leader who has made a strong impact both on and off the field. He competed in basketball during his freshman and sophomore years, played baseball from freshman through junior year, and was a four-year member of the football program, earning First Team All-State honors his senior year. He also participated in track during his senior year, showcasing his versatility as an athlete.
Beyond athletics, Benjamin demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving as class president for three years and student body president during his senior year. He is a member of the National Honor Society and contributed to the Econ Challenge team, reflecting both his academic strength and collaborative skills. His achievements include recognition as a National Merit Scholar and recipient of the Iron Dawg Award. Benjamin will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
His favorite memory from CHS is spending time with friends in AP classes after completing their AP exams, enjoying those relaxed and rewarding moments together.
After graduation, Benjamin plans to attend Cornell University, where he will major in engineering and continue his football career.
His parents are Jon and Elizabeth Van Hoek.
Karlie VanRemortal
Karlie VanRemortel is a dedicated student-athlete and aspiring healthcare professional with a strong commitment to academics, leadership, and service. She competed in basketball for four years, including two at the varsity level, and was a four-year varsity track athlete, specializing in pole vault. One of her proudest athletic achievements was winning regionals in pole vault her junior year for the second time, surpassing her seed in a standout performance.
Beyond athletics, Karlie co-founded her school’s STEM Club, demonstrating initiative and a passion for collaborative learning. She earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, reflecting her commitment to language and cultural proficiency, and participated in chamber orchestra for two years. Her dedication to service and academic excellence is further shown through her two years as a member of the National Honor Society. Karlie will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
Karlie also obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, gaining hands-on experience in patient care and solidifying her interest in the medical field. She plans to attend the University of Michigan School of Nursing, where she hopes to continue developing her skills and make a meaningful impact in healthcare.
Her parents are Rhonda and Rick VanRemortal.
