Oxford High School Names Valedictorian, Salutatorian for Class of 2026

Jun Jang qualified for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair twice and earned a National Security Agency third-place special award along the way. Oxford High School made that record official last week, naming him valedictorian of the Class of 2026 alongside salutatorian Meredith Walker, a three-time Envirothon champion who also served as student director of the school's spring production of Twelve Angry Men.

The school announced both selections on March 25.

Jang's two appearances at the Regeneron ISEF put him among a small group of high school researchers who reach that stage even once. His broader resume at Oxford High extends to the Speech and Debate team, where he served as president; the 30+ Club; and the National Honor Society. He also earned the AP Scholar with Distinction designation, a recognition tied to high scores across multiple AP exams. School officials highlighted his curiosity-driven approach to research and his consistent performance in rigorous coursework as central factors in his selection.

Walker's profile pairs environmental science competition with theatrical leadership in a combination school administrators called exemplary of the well-rounded scholarship Oxford High aims to cultivate. Her three Envirothon championships reflect sustained success in a competition testing knowledge of natural resources, wildlife, and environmental science. Her work directing Twelve Angry Men placed her on the production side of one of the school's prominent student performances of the year.

Both students carry traditional commencement responsibilities, including remarks to their graduating class at this spring's ceremony.

The honors arrive at the close of a difficult school year. Winter Storm Fern disrupted schedules and forced recovery work across Lafayette County, and for families and educators who kept academic progress moving through that stretch, the recognitions carry weight beyond the usual spring ceremony.