EASTON, Maine — Easton Junior Senior High School Principal Laura Hunter, is pleased to announce the honor parts for the graduation ceremonies of the Class of 2026. The graduation ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 5.
Valedictorian Raiden Matthew Cochran is the grandson of Faith and Stephen Cochran. Cochran has been an outstanding student and leader throughout his high school career. He earned highest honor roll recognition in grades 9-12 and was an active member of the math team, state math meet, student council, Spanish Club, FFA, Varsity Club and yearbook staff.
Cochran served as class president during grades 9-11. He was also vice president of FFA during his junior year and served as vice president and president of Varsity Club. Cochran participated in Junior Exhibition during his junior year and earned first place.
He has also been a dedicated athlete at Easton Jr/Sr High School. He participated in varsity basketball, varsity soccer, varsity volleyball and junior varsity basketball. Cochran served as captain of both the varsity basketball and varsity soccer teams during his senior year. He was recognized as February Athlete of the Month during his junior year, October Athlete of the Month during his senior year and November Student of the Month during his senior year.
In addition to his school activities, Cochran participated in Envirothon, Battle of the Books, band, the University of Maine Windstorm Challenge and Presque Isle Business Vocational. He was also a business owner during his junior and senior years. In the fall, Cochran plans to attend the University of Maine at Orono and plans to major in marketing and finance.
Salutatorian Olivia Megan Bate is the daughter of Kristie Bate. Bate has been a dedicated student and active member of the Easton school community. She earned honor roll recognition throughout high school and was involved in student council, FFA, Envirothon, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Varsity Club, math team and yearbook staff.
Bate served in several leadership roles, including class president, class secretary, class treasurer, Student Council president and National Honor Society president. She also served as National Honor Society regional vice president and participated in the Maine Department of Education’s Student Cabinet during her senior year.
Bate has been active in athletics, participating in varsity basketball, varsity soccer, varsity volleyball, softball and junior varsity basketball. She served as captain of the softball team, varsity soccer team, and varsity volleyball team. Bate was also involved in cheering, One Act,
Wellness Team, Junior Exhibition and Aroostook Career Exploration. She helped organize the blood drive during her senior year and participated in Easton Field Days Council.
In the fall, Bate plans to attend the University of Maine at Orono to study biology with a minor in neuroscience.
First Honor Essayist Chloe Dawn Blackstone is the daughter of Jeff Blackstone and Jenny Plummer. Blackstone has been an active and accomplished student throughout her time at Easton Jr/Sr High School. She participated in student council, Book Club, Spanish Club, math team, National Honor Society, Varsity Club and Junior Exhibition.
Blackstone was a member of National Honor Society during grades 10-12 and served as National Honor Society vice president during her junior and senior years. She was also Student Council co-secretary during her senior year and was named October Student of the Month.
Blackstone has participated in athletics throughout high school, including varsity basketball and junior varsity basketball. She also served as varsity girls soccer manager during her senior year. Blackstone participated in Aroostook Career Exploration during her senior year.
In the fall, Blackstone plans to attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle to study nursing.
Second Honor Essayist Lilah Grace Pelkey is the daughter of Charles Pelkey and Sarah Marquis. Pelkey has been an active member of the Easton school community throughout her high school career. She earned honor roll recognition in grades 9-12 and participated in FFA, Spanish Club, Varsity Club, National Honor Society, One Act, SkillsUSA and yearbook.
Pelkey held several leadership roles during high school. She served as class treasurer during her freshman year and class secretary during grades 10-12. She was also FFA treasurer, FFA secretary and FFA president during her senior year. Pelkey earned second place in the FFA Agricultural Discussion competition during her junior year.
Pelkey also participated in Junior Exposition, PI Tech Cosmetology, varsity cheering and served as varsity cheer captain during her senior year. She was also Varsity Club treasurer and yearbook editor during her senior year. Pelkey served as girls varsity soccer manager during her senior year.
In the fall, Pelkey will be participating in an apprenticeship program in pursuit of becoming a licensed cosmetologist.
