The Edison Local School District recognized some of its best and brightest during its 2026 Honors Breakfast May 22.
A total of 45 seniors who earned honors diplomas at Edison High School, its career-technical program and Jefferson County Joint Vocational School were recognized for their dedication and perseverance as they concluded their time in high school.
This year’s event was more student-driven as some students took to the microphone and led the program. Following a catered breakfast from Minerva Classic in the cafeteria, the remainder of the festivities took place at the Edison High School Fieldhouse.
Rilee Givens welcomed the crowd of more than 130 people, including honorees, family members, educators and staff members of influence. She also recognized school administrators and board members in attendance and thanked the guidance department for its work.
“The theme of today’s ceremony is ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ Each student was asked to invite a staff member who made a meaningful impact on their journey. These honored guests represent a wide range of roles — from teachers to support staff — who have helped guide our students along the way,” Givens said, noting each honoree would receive a copy of the Dr. Seuss book as a token of appreciation.
Jon Whitlatch then introduced Edison High School Band Director Marc Sansone, who addressed the crowd in his final days as a music educator.
Sansone, who is retiring at the end of May after 33 years in education, has spent 25 years at Edison Local Schools. During that time, he has taught general music and served as assistant high school band director before becoming head band director in 2005.
Since then, he has directed the junior high band, marching band, concert band and junior high and senior high jazz bands. He also developed the Tearin’ Up the Turf marching band festival, which has included area high school, university and community bands and celebrated its 20th anniversary this past fall.
Among his highlights were traveling with the band to perform across the U.S., co-arranging the high school’s alma mater, receiving new band uniforms and equipment, gaining support from the Edison High School Band Boosters organization and earning numerous band accolades, from OMEA Solo and Ensemble distinctions to being named WTRF-TV Band of the Week.
Several of his former students have performed in university and military bands, participated with the OVAC All-Star Marching Band and continued their careers as music educators or in the music industry. He is married to Edison High School intervention specialist Bev Sansone, who also has served as his assistant band director. They have two sons and three grandchildren.
Sansone shared poignant and witty advice with the crowd, telling the soon-to-be alumni to find their joy but never forget where they came from. He jokingly said he “hated” children because they motivated him to work hard and become a better person, and it was their fault he loved his career.
He also encouraged students to choose something they enjoyed doing, make good choices, cherish their families and surround themselves with good friends.
“Work hard and play hard. Your investment in your future will pay off,” he said. “It may take a while, but there is no shame in working hard. Playing hard means finding ways to enjoy life.”
His advice also included laughing often, urging students and parents to be patient with each other, using their voices and voting, and being kind.
“People may not remember your name, but they will remember how you treated them. You can make a difference in someone’s life and not even realize it because you treated someone kindly when they needed it the most,” Sansone said.
He encouraged the honorees to thank the people who helped set them on their paths and to pay it forward.
“March to your own beat and be true to yourself. Figure out who you are and be that person,” Sansone said. “Congratulations! You made it through these steps and have done well so far. This is the only thing you know, now go out and find other things. Surround yourself with good things and good people. Only you limit your options.”
Sophia Henderson then recognized students who earned associate degrees through Belmont College as part of the College Credit Plus program. They were Elizabeth Booher, Malayna Bright, Nadia Denoon-Habig, Matthew Evans, Sophia Henderson, Rilee Givens, Ben Griffith, Luke Ferralli, Alivia Kowalczyk, Micah Larkins, Kyle Long, Wyatt Russell, Jonathan Whitlatch and Audrina Reese, who earned degrees from both Belmont and Kent State University.
To graduate with an honors diploma, students must obtain all but one of the required criteria based on third nine weeks’ grades: four credits each in English, math, science and social studies; three credits in one foreign language or two credits each in two different languages; one credit in fine arts; a 3.5 GPA or higher; and a score of 27 on the ACT or 1210 on the SAT.
Career-tech honors students must meet all but one of the required criteria, including four credits in math and career-tech courses; proficiency or higher on technical assessments; two credits in one world language; a 3.5 GPA or higher; an ACT score of 27 or SAT score of 1210; a score of six or higher on all WorkKeys assessments; an industry-recognized credential seal or technology seal; and completion of field experience, portfolio, OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal or work-based learning.
Stanton Elementary Principal Kodi Peterson and John Gregg Elementary Principal Tammy Burchfield introduced the honor students: Kennedy Baker, Clayton Bokunevitz, Elizabeth Booher, Malayna Bright, Olivia Brousseau, Maiah Christy, Ava Cline, Destony Crimm, Gunner Cronin, Nadia Denoon-Habig, Paige Ellenberger, Matthew Evans, Luke Ferralli, Rilee Givens, Ben Griffith, Brady Haught, Nolan Haught, Sophia Henderson, Brianna Householder, Alivia Hupp, Alivia Kowalczyk, Micah Larkins, Bristol Leanza, Josie Lesnansky, Kyle Long, Andalyn McConnaughy, Kelsey Parrish, Adelynn Pepperling, Josephine Proffitt, Audrina Reese, Brycent Rogers, Catelyn Schiffman, Lena Wagner, Brady Wells, Liam Westfall, Jonathan Whitlatch, Zoey Wright and Gianna Zimmerman.
Favorite staff members recognized by students included Dawn Cable, JoAnn Stagani, Amy Bordash, Monica Potenzini, Tammy Sismondo, Megan Evans, Sara Louda, Cody LaRue, Cheryl Woodward, Bill Koehnlein, Jason Ensinger, Chase Nolan, Stephanie Kuca, Mindy Carpenter, Derek Gulling, Mark Smyth, Nick Howell, Gina Fogle, Tamela Marshall, Haley Harshbarger, Danah Beaver, Nolan Marcus, Kris Turk, Emily Waggoner, Nate Moses, Marc Sansone, Faith Hoobler, Kelli Pridemore and David Schultz.
Maiah Christy gave the invocation, and Malayna Bright delivered the benediction.
