The Putnam County School District honored 119 of its highest-achieving students during the 2026 Top Scholar Awards Ceremony on April 16, recognizing members of the Class of 2026 for their academic excellence, leadership, service and involvement.
Students recognized as Top Scholars represented Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School, Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School, Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School, Putnam Virtual School and Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School. To earn the distinction, students maintained at least a 4.0 weighted GPA or ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating class.
In addition to their academic achievement, many of the students challenged themselves with rigorous coursework, demonstrated leadership within their schools and communities, devoted at least 75 hours to community service or work and participated in a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Superintendent Dr. Rick Surrency welcomed students, families and school leaders to the annual celebration.
The evening also included the Pledge of Allegiance led by Gardenia Phetsaya of Crescent City Jr.-Sr. High School, the National Anthem performed by Keira McGahen of Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School and an invocation offered by Katerina McLam of Interlachen Jr.-Sr. High School.
Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School student Carter Crews introduced keynote speaker Dr. Drew Wilburn, D.M.D., a 2016 Interlachen High School graduate and recipient of the Webb Westbury Award.
A dedicated general dentist serving the Putnam County community, Dr. Wilburn encouraged students to embrace opportunities, remain connected to their roots and use their talents to make a difference. Born and raised in Putnam County, Dr. Wilburn attended the University of Florida, where she earned both her undergraduate degree in nutrition and her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. She now lives and works in the community that shaped her and volunteers with SAFE Pet Rescue.
Following the keynote address, Brandon Oliver, editor of the Palatka Daily News, offered sponsor remarks before principals from each school presented their Top Scholars.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Robert W. Webb Award of Excellence, the district’s highest honor presented during the Top Scholar Awards Ceremony. The award recognizes one student whose accomplishments distinguish them even among Putnam County’s top-performing seniors.
This year’s Robert W. Webb Award of Excellence was presented to Andrei Mai of Q.I. Roberts Jr.-Sr. High School.
The son of Vuong Mai and Phuong Nguyen, Andrei distinguished himself through outstanding academic achievement, leadership and involvement throughout high school. He served as woodwind captain for two of his five years in the Marching Knights and founded Q.I. Roberts’ unofficial poetry club.
Andrei also participated in the school’s production of “Cinderella,” performs with The Groovin’ Knights community band and has been involved in the Thrive Scholars Program.
After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Florida, majoring in English while pursuing a pre-med track.
The Robert W. Webb Award of Excellence recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement through a rigorous course of study, exceptional scholastic performance, leadership within the school and community, meaningful service to others and active participation in school activities.
Andrei’s selection reflects the very best of those qualities.
As the evening came to a close, the district celebrated not only the accomplishments of these 119 students, but also the bright future they represent. The 2026 Top Scholars have already distinguished themselves as some of Putnam County’s very best and brightest.
The district extends its gratitude to Palatka Daily News and Seminole Electric Cooperative for sponsoring the 2026 Top Scholar Awards Ceremony and the Robert W. Webb Award of Excellence.
See more photos from the event here.
Watch a video of the ceremony here.
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