Senior Marygrace Rykowski was named Roncalli High School’s valedictorian, and senior Anna Cromer was named salutatorian for the class of 2026.
Marygrace excelled both in and out of the classroom. Throughout her high school career, she has been a hard-working student, earning several academic accolades, including National Merit Finalist, National Honor Society, College Board School Recognition and College Board AP Scholar with Distinction awards.
Described as a quiet leader, she has been involved in academic clubs such as spell bowl and mock trial and has also shown leadership on the cross country and track teams. With over 400 hours of service, Marygrace’s commitment to volunteer work reflects a deep-seated desire to help others and make a positive impact in her community.
Jessica Engel (Roncalli 1999), her school counselor, describes Marygrace as “a student who has not only excelled in academic pursuits but has done so with grace, humility and a heart full of kindness. She is exceptional! I am impressed with this Marygrace’s humble heart and kind spirit.”
Marygrace shared, “To me, this award honors the many people who have supported my education, especially my parents and teachers. Roncalli and St. Barnabas prepared me well for college and for life. Rather than marking the end of my studies, this recognition represents my continued pursuit of excellence in higher education. I am grateful that my hard work and the support of those around me led to this honor, and I hope that it will remind me to study diligently and positively contribute to the world in college and beyond.”
Marygrace graduated from St. Barnabas Catholic School and is the daughter of Angela (Matheis) (Roncalli 1998) and John Rykowski. In the fall, she will attend the University of Notre Dame, where she plans to study chemical engineering.
Anna has shown unwavering dedication to both her academics and extracurricular activities.
She serves as Co-President of Student Council, mentors students with special needs through Royal Buddies, contributes to the community and has been recognized at the state level for academic excellence and leadership.
About this announcement, Anna shared, “I am beyond honored to be named Salutatorian for the Class of 2026, but I am most appreciative of the journey and how it has shaped me. I am blessed with teachers, parents and classmates who challenged me to grow, lead and always strive to be better. My Roncalli community has truly changed my life for the better.”
Anna has demonstrated strong dedication throughout high school. She is a Lilly Scholar and will attend the University of Notre Dame this fall tuition-free, where she plans to pursue a career as a surgeon. A graduate of St. Barnabas Catholic School, Anna is the daughter of Christina (Dillon) (Roncalli 2002) and Jeremy Cromer (Roncalli 1997).
“Anna’s life reflects what it means to use one’s God-given talents fully and generously. She is a scholar, a servant-leader, and a witness to what can happen when talent is guided by hard work, faith and integrity,” said her school counselor Angela Maly.