DERBY — Members of the Derby High School Class of 2026 are scheduled to graduate 6 p.m. Monday June 15 on Lou DeFilippo Field.
This write up of the top 10 students in the graduating class was prepared by the school and was first published in the Derby High School newsletter.
#1 Carter Ruggiero
Carter Ruggiero, Valedictorian graduating with a GPA of 4.33, is the son of Ralph and Erika Ruggiero, and has been recognized with many achievements.
He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Student Council, “OnBoard” Student Mentor Program, founding member of the new DHS Writing Center, and Unified Sports where he holds a Leadership Council position.
Along with these positions, Carter has attended various CIAC leadership conferences and Unified Sports Leadership meetings.
Some challenges that Carter has taken upon himself to strengthen his learning are the following AP classes: AP U.S. Government & Politics, AP Environmental Science, AP Literature and Composition, AP U.S. History, AP Psychology, and AP Calculus AB.
Following the various extracurricular activities and vigorous classes Carter has participated in, he was the recipient of the Harvard Book Club Award in 2025, he was an AP Scholar with Honor, and has had High Honors every year.
Throughout the past four years at DHS, Carter has come to school with a smile on his face and a goal to make everyday useful and pleasant for others. He succeeds in this goal, applying himself whenever and wherever possible to help teachers and students in any way, in or out of school.
Countless times, he has stayed after school to help set up or clean up after an event, volunteering his own time to be a part of PTO discussions and fundraisers outside of school.
Carter is an incredibly kind student who wishes the best for others and likes to involve himself in school activities such as the following: Mr. Hogan’s Video Production classes and their weekly broadcasts, Ms. Socha’s Desktop Publishing Yearbook classes under the title ‘The Lookout’, and Mr. Abelli’s Woodworking classes, constructing home projects and great memories.
Carter has received acceptance letters from the following colleges: Wentworth Institute of Technology, UConn (Storrs Campus), University of Rhode Island, University of New Haven, Quinnipiac University, Southern CT State University, Fairfield University, Northeastern University, Boston University, and Wesleyan University.
He is planning to attend UConn at the School of Engineering with a Major of Computer Science.
#2 Sara Poric
Sara Poric, Salutatorian with a GPA of 4.27, the daughter of Helena Pelic. She is a part of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. She has achieved High Honors throughout all four years. She has also earned the Yale Book Award. She has taken many demanding AP classes during her high school years, such as AP US Government, AP US History, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, and AP Seminar.
She participated in soccer, volleyball, indoor and outdoor track and field, earning a 3rd-place medal in discus at the NVLs.
Sara’s love for volunteering in her community has shaped who she is as a person. She has co-planned a garbage cleanup around DHS for her Rotary Interact club, and she is currently co-planning a fundraiser event to earn money for Derby Public Library, Derby Neck Library, and Derby High School’s library to acquire more books.
She volunteered at an animal rescue shelter for a year, cleaning cages. She has tutored her peers who needed help studying for Midterms, and she has also volunteered at BHcare’s “A Chance to Shine” event, which benefits all of the organization’s programs.
She has attended the 2025 CAS-CIAC High School Leadership Conference at Southern Connecticut State University, as well.
Sara has been accepted to the following colleges: Southern Connecticut State University, Central Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University, University of Connecticut, University of Hartford, and University of New Haven.
Editor’s note: As part of ‘The Great Give‘ in May, The Valley Indy interviewed Carter and Sara about their years in Derby Public Schools. Click the play button below to watch the interview. The top 10 bios continue after the YouTube video.
#3 Souzveen Mekael
Souzveen Mekael, daughter of Farhad and Hazhar Mekael, is ranked third in her class with avGPA of 4.2. She is a member of the National Honor Society, where she serves as President; the Italian Honor Society, where she serves as Vice President; and the Student Council, where she also serves as Vice President. She was additionally involved in Unified Sports and Mock Trial.
Souzveen has been on the Honor Roll for all four years of high school and has participated in the On-Board Student Mentor Program and the Derby-Shelton Rotary Program.
She also played varsity soccer all four years and served as team captain her senior year. She is a recipient of the 2026 CIAC Scholar-Athlete Award and was part of the 2025 AP Honor Roll.
Beyond her strong academic achievements, Souzveen was invited to attend the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference during her sophomore year, where she developed key leadership skills. She returned the following year as a volunteer, helping to guide and support future student leaders.
She also coached and refereed within her local soccer community through Derby Youth Soccer, working with children ages 5–12 to teach fundamental skills while encouraging teamwork and enjoyment of the game.
She has volunteered at events such as the Valley United Way’s Men Who Cook, Student Council Thanksgiving food drives, and community trash cleanups, and she is currently volunteering at a nursing home alongside another student as part of her National Honor Society service project.
Souzveen plans to pursue a major in civil engineering. She has been accepted to the University of New Haven, Quinnipiac University, the University of Connecticut, Sacred Heart University, Southern Connecticut State University, and the University of Massachusetts. She is still considering her options as she decides where to attend.
#4 Sofia Rudus
Sofia Rudus daughter of Matiss Rudus and Galina Razorjonova, has maximized her high school experience through her involvement in many activities, clubs, and organizations, whilst maintaining a 4.18 GPA.
Sofia finds both academics and athletics rewarding and feels that it is important for her to stay consistent in both. She is an active member of Student Council, Spanish National Honor Society, Unified Sports, the Raider Press (the school’s newspaper) where she takes on the role as an editor, and the Vice President of National Honor Society.
In athletics, she is a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams for the past four years and is a senior captain for both of the teams.
Beyond DHS, Sofia enjoys volunteering and engaging with her community. For her National Honor Society service project this year, Sofia and Souzveen took the initiative to volunteer at an assisted living facility and participate in activities with the residents. Sofia is also a member of the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Organization.
As a sophomore she attended their annual seminar as a student, and came back junior year to volunteer. Sofia attends fundraising events that HOBY does and has helped in their successful fundraisers.
Lastly, Sofia attends a Latvian Heritage summer camp every year, where she has transitioned from a camper to a counselor taking on many responsibilities such as maintaining the cleanliness around the camp.
Sofia has received acceptances to University of Connecticut Storrs, University of Rhode Island, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Massachusetts Boston, Bentley University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Pittsburgh, Sacred Heart University, and Eastern Connecticut State University. Sofia is still deciding which university she will attend, but she plans to major in Business Administration or Finance.
#5 Gavin Lagliva
Gavin Lagliva, son of Mark Lagliva and Janet Keomixay, is currently ranked 5th in his class with a GPA of 4.16. He is currently a part of the Spanish National Honor Society, Student Council, OnBoard Student Mentor Program, Outdoor Track team, and has helped with crafting the DHS yearbook from 2024-2026.
While Gavin has shown impressive educational achievements, he has also been involved in activities outside of school. Gavin was an attendee and representative of Derby High School at the Hugh O’Brian HOBY Youth Leadership Conference in 2024, a member of the Derby High School student council for all four years attending, and a member of the OnBoard Student Mentor Program, helping the school during freshman orientation.
Gavin’s leadership skills were recognized when he was selected to be a part of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference and the CIAC High School Leadership Conference.
When given the opportunity, Gavin has had successful participation and training in learning, leadership, teamwork, and decision making.
Gavin has received acceptances from the University of Connecticut, Southern Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, Hofstra University, and has been shown interest by colleges like the University of New Haven.
Gavin’s place of interest, University of Connecticut, has given him a $30,000 scholarship for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Gavin will hope to achieve a degree in Animal Science preparing for Veterinarian School.
#6 Brooklyn Fernandez
Brooklyn Fernandez, son of Stephanie and Anthony Fernandez, is currently ranked 6th in his class with a GPA of 4.13. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Italian Honor Society. Brooklyn has also been a member of several clubs and groups at Derby High School including Yoga Club, Movie Club, Weightlifting Club, Basketball Club, Class Act Council, and Unified Sports.
His extracurricular activities continue as he was also a Barnum Festival Royal Family nominee. In addition to being active in the school community, Brooklyn also excels on the field. He is a senior captain for football, basketball, and baseball, and participated in indoor track and field, powderpuff cheerleading, and football passing league.
Brooklyn has earned Honor Roll all 4 years of high school and has maintained perfect attendance. He has earned additional honors including being named R.A.I.D.E.R. of the Week during both his junior and senior years, MaxPreps Defensive Football Player of the Game, DHS Football Defensive Player of the Week, DHS Football Player of the Week, Jersey Mike’s Subs Player of the Week, DHS Student of the Week.
In addition to those honors, Brooklyn was named Second Team All NVL Defense for Linebacker during his senior season of football and recently received the Frank A. Albarella Memorial Trophy Award for the player who best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship, citizenship and outstanding football ability. He is a recipient of the CIAC Scholar-Athlete Award.
Brooklyn has been accepted to the following universities: Albertus Magnus College, Bryant University, Central Connecticut State University, Johnson & Wales University, Louisiana State University, Merrimack College, Mitchell College, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, Southern Connecticut State University, University of Bridgeport, University of Connecticut (Storrs campus), University of Hartford, University of Massachusetts (Boston campus), University of New Haven, University of Rhode Island, and Westfield State University.
He will be attending Sacred Heart University to major in Exercise Science and pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree because of his love for sports and to help people.
# 7 Kobe Detvongsa
Kobe Detvongsa, son of Van Keomyxay and Bee Detvongsa, has created the most out of his high school experience by maintaining focus, staying involved, and committing to improving himself and others around him.
He looks forward to graduating in the top 10 of his class with a 4.01 GPA. Throughout that process he was challenged academically and mentally, but within it all, he pushed through and strived for success. Kobe takes pride in his work and even earned himself a spot in the National Spanish Honor Society and maintained honors throughout all 4 years, showcasing his efforts and passion in the classroom.
Kobe showcased his extension of the classroom on the basketball court for 3 years, where he learned many more valuable lessons, including discipline and teamwork. His efforts and consistency on the court wasn’t overlooked, as he was named as Jersey Mike’s Player of the Week. Through basketball, he developed as an athlete and an open individual who’s willing to go the extra mile, teach others, push through challenges, and be that supporting hand.
In addition to Kobe’s participation in sports and academics, he remained active in his community. He participated as a member of The Lookout, where he helped around in the yearbook and became a familiar face in the community. In the photography club, he was able to explore creativity with others and built skills that allowed him to capture further meaningful moments in his life, including this one.
Outside of school, he served as an usher in New Song Church, further showcasing his commitment to helping others and being involved with the people around him.
Balancing all of these responsibilities took time, commitment, and dedication, but Kobe maintained it with a fierce work ethic and positive attitude. All of these experiences helped
shape him into a responsible, motivated, and amazing individual.
Kobe will be advancing his education at CT State Community College, where he plans to major in radiation therapy. He is motivated to pursue a career as a radiation therapist where he will help others in their recovering stage and make a significant difference in people’s lives.
#8 Nedaat Masiat
Nedaat Masiat, daughter of Ruma Chowdhury, is currently ranked 8th in her class with a GPA of 4.01. She is currently a member of the National Honor Society, the Italian Honor Society, the OnBoard Student Mentor program, Unified Sports, the DHS Writing Center, the Rotary Interact Club, and Student Council where she holds the position of treasurer.
Nedaat takes pride in being an active member of her community. She is both a writer and editor for the Raider Press, has played soccer every year since her freshman year, and has participated in three seasons of track & field. She was a defense attorney for DHS’s Mock Trial Team, participated in the Model United Nations, and she is involved in the WRBR morning announcements.
She has volunteered for several organizations including BHcare, Cancer Kids First, and the Hugh O’Brian (HOBY) Youth Leadership, where she participated as a representative of DHS, and returned the following year as a staff leader. With the help of classmate Jayla Anderson, she made care-packages and raised funds for children at the Children’s Center of Hamden, while teaching students at Bradley School about kindness and leadership.
Nedaat was awarded the RAIDER of the week award and is also an AP Scholar with honor.
Nedaat has received acceptances from the following universities: University of Connecticut (Storrs), Indiana University (Kelley), University of Virginia, University of Maryland, Pennsylvania State University, American University, Stonybrook University, University of Pittsburgh, Rutgers University, Drexel University, James Madison University, and Eastern Connecticut State University. Nedaat is planning on attending UConn in the fall, pursuing a major in Political Science with a minor in Journalism, on a Pre-Law track
#9 Hailey Cartagena
Daughter of Kimberly and Jose Cartagena, is currently ranked 9th in her class with a GPA of 3.97. She currently serves as the secretary of the National Honor Society, the treasurer of the Italian Honor Society, and the Social Media Coordinator of the Rotary Interact Club.
Hailey has also been actively involved in activities that help highlight and share the experiences of the Derby High School community. She has been a member of the Student Council for all four years and participates in the OnBoard Student Mentor Program.
Hailey has also been involved in Mock Trial, The Lookout, and WRBR Morning Announcements.
Athletically, she played Girls’ Varsity Soccer during her freshman and senior years and competed in Outdoor Track during her freshman and sophomore years. In addition, she has volunteered through Read for the Record, helping promote literacy for younger students in the community.
Her leadership and character were recognized when she was selected as one of Derby High School’s representatives for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference in 2024. Through her participation in leadership programs, school organizations, and community initiatives,
Hailey has consistently demonstrated dedication to both her school and the greater community.
Hailey has received acceptances from Fordham University, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Louisiana State University, Monmouth University, Pennsylvania State University, Plymouth State University, Quinnipiac University, Rutgers University, Southern Connecticut State University, Temple University, University of Connecticut, University of New Haven, and University of Vermont.
She has a total of $289,800 in scholarships with all her acceptances.
She is still waiting for eight more decisions to decide which university she will attend. Hailey intends to pursue a degree in Neuroscience or Biology on a Pre-Med track.
#10 Genesis Alvarado
Genesis Alvarado, daughter of Cinthya and David Alvarado, is currently ranked number 10 in her class with a 3.9 GPA. Genesis moved to Derby during her freshman year, entering as a newcomer to the community, and is now concluding her senior year, having made a meaningful impact while experiencing significant personal growth.
Throughout her four years at Derby, she has earned Honor Roll status each year, consistently demonstrating academic excellence.
She helped design the 2025 yearbook. She is a member of the National Honor Society, where she has participated in the Environmental Citywide Clean-Up Project, the Thanksgiving Food Drive, the MEN Who Cook event, and Bingo Night, where she contributed by collecting donations and selling tickets.
In addition, Genesis is co-hosting an upcoming event with Sara Poric at the Derby Public Library in April to raise money for purchasing books for the public libraries.
She attended the CAS/CIAC Leadership Conference at Southern Connecticut State University in 2025. She was selected as a recipient of the CT Association of Schools High School Arts Award in recognition of her passion and contribution to the arts program. She was a member of the Book Club during her freshman year and joined the Rotary Club in her senior year.
Genesis has also been involved as a literacy volunteer at Little Raiders University and participated in the University of Connecticut Summer LEADership program, where she learned about leadership and college planning skills. Additionally, she took part in the Griffin Hospital CNA Program, where she developed skills in patient care, nutrition, and restorative care, completing a total of 108 hours of instruction and 40 hours of clinical experience over six weeks.
Genesis enjoys spending time with her friends and family and is actively involved in her church community. She has helped raise funds and distribute food to those in need, while also working closely with younger children. She has taken on a leadership role within her church’s youth group and participates in the worship group.
She is currently enrolled in AP Art, where she continues to develop her artistic voice. For the past two years, her art has been selectedby ‘cARTie,’ an art museum bus organization, where she has gained confidence and motivation to keep doing art. Alongside her studies, she sells her artwork and plans to expand her practice through an Etsy shop in the future.
In addition, Genesis has successfully balanced her academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and employment at a local restaurant.
Genesis plans to pursue a major in nursing and is currently undecided about where she will commit. She has been accepted to the University of New Haven, University of Hartford, Post University, Southern Connecticut State University, Central Connecticut State University, Sacred Heart University, Quinnipiac University, Susquehanna University, Albertus Magnus College, Eastern Connecticut State University, University of Saint Joseph, Western Connecticut State University, and the University of Connecticut (Waterbury).