Hudson Senior High School Announces the Class of 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
HUDSON, NY – Hudson Senior High School proudly announces the Class of 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian, recognizing the outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement of two exceptional students. Principal Mr. Derek Reardon, along with school counselors Mr. Rocky Payne and Ms. Katie Davis, are pleased to announce that Ms. MST Warda Mahamud has earned the distinction of Valedictorian, while Ms. Labonna Prova has been named Salutatorian for the graduating Class of 2026. Graduation will take place on June 26, 2026.
MST Warda Mahamud – Valedictorian
MST Warda Mahamud has distinguished herself as an exceptional academic leader throughout her time at Hudson Senior High School. Warda earned the top rank in the Class of 2026 with an impressive cumulative grade point average of 99.558% and has consistently achieved High Honor Roll status during her high school career.
Warda challenged herself with a rigorous course load that included Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and college-level coursework. Her college studies included Introduction to Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Critical Issues in Health, General Psychology, and Introduction to Sociology. She has excelled on her Regents examinations and earned recognition as an AP Scholar. Most recently, Warda was accepted into the prestigious New Visions Medical Program for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Beyond academics, Warda has been deeply involved in extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities. She is an active member of the National Honor Society, Mock Trial, Model UN, Student Council, and Environmental Club. She has participated in both the Envirothon and Brain Bee competitions and further explored her passion for STEM and healthcare by attending the Future of Healthcare Workshop at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, as well as shadowing professionals in the Radiology and Anesthesia Departments at Columbia Memorial Hospital.
Warda has served as President of the Class of 2026 and has been actively involved in class fundraisers and activities. She also participated in the Salamander Population & Adaptation Research Collaboration Network (SPARCnet), a collaborative environmental research project with the Columbia Land Conservancy that studies salamander responses to environmental conditions.
Warda’s accomplishments have earned her numerous honors, including the Gellert Cornell Admission Invitation Award from Cornell University, the Congress of Future Leaders Award of Excellence, the President’s Award for Educational Achievement, the Triple “C” Award for Courage, Commitment, and Character, and the Rochester Institute of Technology Women in STEM Award. This year, she was also named a Finalist for the QuestBridge National College Match Program.
Known for her positivity, kindness, and commitment to helping others, Warda has volunteered with the Hudson Children’s Book Festival, Hudson City School District Saturday Academy, and the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
In the fall, Warda will attend Boston College, where she plans to major in Nursing.
Labonna Prova – Salutatorian
Labonna Prova has been an outstanding student and ambassador for Hudson Senior High School. Ranked second in the Class of 2026 with a cumulative average of 99.517, Labonna consistently pursued an academically rigorous schedule that included Honors, AP, and college-level courses.
Her college coursework included Introduction to Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Wind Ensemble, Composition, and Composition and Literature. Labonna has also earned AP Scholar designation for her academic excellence.
In addition to her academic success, Labonna has been highly engaged in school leadership and extracurricular activities. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Mock Trial, Model UN, Student Council, Student Tech Crew, and Environmental Club. She has also actively participated in the statewide Envirothon competition.
Labonna has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her high school career. She currently serves as President of the Class of 2026 and Vice President of Mock Trial. During her junior year, she was a member of the Superintendent Advisory Committee, and this year she served as the Student Representative to the Board of Education.
Beyond the classroom, Labonna participated in the Wharton Global Youth Competition and took part in the Youth Ambassador in Climate Change Readiness event, where she had the opportunity to meet the King and Queen of the Netherlands as well as Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. Like Warda, Labonna was also named a Finalist for the QuestBridge National College Match Program.
Labonna is dedicated to serving others and has volunteered as a Camp Invention Leadership Intern. She has also worked as an IT Student Helper for the district’s Instructional Technology Department and earned her Dell Support Certification. In addition, she served as a classroom aide while balancing responsibilities as a babysitter.
Labonna is respected by both her peers and teachers for her leadership, dedication, and strong work ethic.
In the fall, Labonna plans to attend a four-year college, where she will major in Environmental Science.
Hudson Senior High School congratulates Warda and Labonna on their remarkable accomplishments and wishes them continued success in all of their future endeavors.
