Two exceptional seniors at Cato-Meridian Junior-Senior High School have earned the prestigious titles of Valedictorian and Salutatorian.

Bailey Planck, daughter of Perry and Lynnette Planck, is the Cato-Meridian Junior-Senior High School Class of 2026 Valedictorian. She has achieved an outstanding weighted grade point average of 102.14 and will graduate with over 70 college credit hours. Planck has consistently challenged herself through accelerated, online, and Advanced Placement coursework, earning a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation with Honors and Mastery in Science. 

Planck is an active member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Devil’s Crew and Spanish Club. This spring, she earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, exemplifying both her academic excellence and her commitment to cultural proficiency.

In addition to her academic achievements, Planck is a dedicated and accomplished student-athlete. She has competed at the varsity level for four years in field hockey, basketball, and outdoor track, demonstrating perseverance, leadership and a strong work ethic. She has also shown initiative and compassion by helping to establish a club in honor of Morgan’s Message, promoting mental health awareness among student-athletes.

Beyond school, Planck has been actively involved in leadership and service opportunities. She has served as a member of the Section III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference, participated in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Conference and presented at the 11th Annual Cooperstown Athletic Leadership Conference. She has also shared her passion for basketball by volunteering with the Cayuga County Youth Basketball Program at Cato-Meridian.

Above all, Planck is known for her exceptional character. She is kind, respectful and compassionate, serving as a positive role model for her peers. Her integrity, humility and leadership have made a lasting impact on the school community.

In the fall, Planck will attend St. John Fisher University, where she plans to pursue a career in pharmacy. While she will be greatly missed, we are confident she will continue to excel and make meaningful contributions in all she does.

Everett Cox, son of Slade and Kristen Cox, is the Class of 2026 Salutatorian. He has achieved an outstanding weighted grade point average of 98.74 and will graduate with over 60 college credit hours. Cox has earned a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.

Cox has been an active and influential member of the Student Council, serving as the 7–12 Student Council President. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Club. Deeply committed to our agricultural community, Cox has been a dedicated leader in FFA, where he has competed in numerous events, earned multiple awards, and advanced to the state level. Notably, he was one of only 20 students nominated for New York State FFA officer and has served as chapter vice president.

In addition to his academic and leadership achievements, Cox has been highly involved in the performing arts. He has held leading roles in several school musicals and has been an active member of the drama club throughout his high school career. This spring, he earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, further demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and cultural proficiency.

Cox is also a dedicated and accomplished student-athlete. He has competed as a four-year varsity athlete in cross country, basketball, indoor track and outdoor track, where he has served as team captain multiple times. As a member of the track program, he has broken multiple school records and competed at the state level. Most recently, he was a member of the indoor track sectional championship team where he won both individual and team championships. Cox consistently demonstrates perseverance, leadership and a strong work ethic in all that he pursues.

Outside of school, Cox is actively involved in agriculture, including training herding dogs and sheep and participating in 4-H, where he shows dairy cattle. He has competed at the national level at the World Dairy Expo and The All-American Show. He has also participated in Cornell University’s Junior Dairy Leaders program and attended the National 4-H Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. Cox has further demonstrated his passion for agriculture education by speaking at the state level as part of the 2025 Address of Agriculture alongside Commissioner of Agriculture Richard A. Ball. He has also served as the head dairy ambassador for Cayuga County, advocating for the dairy industry through public speaking and community events.

In the fall, Cox will attend Cornell University, where he plans to major in Animal Science and continue advocating for agriculture and all the values he believes in.

“It has truly been a joy to watch both of these incredible individuals grow and achieve such high academic success while staying so deeply involved in all that our school has to offer,” said Jennifer Kelly, principal of Cato-Meridian Junior-Senior High School. “I have loved cheering you on at athletic events, celebrating your academic accomplishments, and watching you grow over the last four years. Bailey and Everett, you have each left a lasting mark on our school community. My heart is filled with pride and excitement for what lies ahead for both of you. I have no doubt you will continue to do amazing things and make us all proud. I am so happy that you are each heading off to the college of your dreams. Wishing you nothing but the very best in all that comes next.”