Luxemburg-Casco High School graduates 164 in its Class of 2026

Rylen Hinckley named as this year’s class valedictorian, Anna Annoye as salutatorian

LUXEMBURG, Wis. – The Luxemburg-Casco High School Class of 2026, comprised of 164 students, will receive its diplomas on May 20 at 6:30 p.m. during a commencement ceremony held in the main high school gymnasium. This year marks L-C’s largest class since 167 students graduated in 2022.

Rylen Hinckley, son of Debra Kaye and stepson of Jeremy Kaye of Luxemburg, is the valedictorian of the Class of 2026. Anna Annoye, daughter of Tory and Melissa Annoye of Luxemburg, is the salutatorian.

“We are excited for the futures of the Luxemburg-Casco Class of 2026,” says Principal Tyson Tlachac. “It is a determined group that has prepared well for its next steps in life. No matter where their respective journeys take them, they will always be welcome here. Congratulations!”

Based on self-reporting of their post-graduate plans, the 164 graduates are following three primary pathways: 41 percent (67 students) of this year’s graduating class will be furthering their education at a four-year, post-secondary institution; 37 percent (61 students) will be continuing their studies at a technical college or trade school; 16 percent of the class will be directly entering the workforce (19 students) or beginning a registered apprenticeship (7 students); three students will be enlisting in the U.S. military (two in the Marines, one in the Air Force); and seven students indicated that their plans are unknown or undecided.

Of the 67 students electing a four-year college, the majority (50) will be continuing their education at a University of Wisconsin System institution; the top choices are UW-Green Bay (24 students), UW-Stevens Point (7) and UW-La Crosse (5). Twelve graduating students will be attending a private, in-state school, and five students have chosen an out-of-state university.

Nearly all of the 60 students going to a technical school – 57 – will be attending Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, while another student plans to enroll at a local beauty school.

Two-thirds of the 128 graduates going onto a two- or four-year college – 86 – will be undertaking their studies within Northeast Wisconsin.

With Luxemburg-Casco High School having one of the highest Youth Apprenticeship participation rates in Wisconsin (62.8%), it is no surprise that 26 students are directly entering the workforce or starting as registered apprentices – many with their YA employer. The apprenticeships are taking place in the plumbing, welding and sheet metal industries.

At the graduation ceremony, 17 Honor Students will be recognized for representing the Top 10 percent of their graduating class. They are:

Another honor to be bestowed at this year’s graduation ceremony is the Distinguished Alumni Award, given to Mark Jandrin, a 1987 graduate of Luxemburg-Casco High School.

Following presentation of the Class of 2026 by L-C Superintendent Jo-Ellen Fairbanks, Ph.D., the district’s Board of Education will award diplomas to this year’s graduates.

Three graduating seniors will speak at the commencement ceremony. It will open with a welcome message from Class President Nora Hearn, while Salutatorian Anna Annoye will deliver a class review. The farewell message will be given by Valedictorian Rylen Hinckley.

The graduation ceremony also will feature music performed by the Luxemburg-Casco Concert Band, along with the Luxemburg-Casco Chamber and Women’s Choirs.

More than 220 student scholarships will be announced the morning of May 20 at the Senior Awards Ceremony, including 47 university-bestowed scholarships and 25 athletic scholarship awards.

A total of 103 L-C graduating seniors – representing 62.8% percent of the class – will receive an industry certification from the Northeast Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program.

Accolades also will be given to student participants in specific academic programs: Rising Phoenix program (9 students), Bellin College Healthcare Academy (19), Ahnapee Automotive Maintenance Technician program (2), Ahnapee Diesel Maintenance Technician program (11) and Kewaunee County Junior Firefighter Program (1).

In athletics, 23 L-C students will be recognized as North Eastern Conference Scholar-Athletes.