With graduation quickly approaching, we interviewed several talented and hard-working students from the Class of 2026! They shared what made their high school years so special. My own firstborn graduates this year, and while certainly bittersweet, I can’t help but boast with pride at the future leaders our Hoover City Schools are sending out into the world.
We wish them all the best in their next adventure!
Sarah Kathryn Picardy
Sarah Kathryn Picardy
High School: Hoover High School, Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3): Health Sciences Academy
Activities and Achievements: Hoover Belle, Buccanettes Dance Team, 4.0 GPA Award, Freshman Class Leadership Award, National Honor Society, National Honor Society for Dance Arts, National Technical Honor Society at RC3, Health Science Ambassador at RC3, HOSA Officer & 2nd Runner-up at State for Mental Health Promotion, PCT Certified, Diamond Dolls, Actively involved at Hunter Street Baptist Church Student Ministry
College: Samford University, majoring in nursing
Favorite Thing About High School: “Hoover and RC3 have provided me with so many amazing opportunities. During my time at Hoover, I have had the privilege to be a part of dance team and academic organizations. These different things have stretched me as a student and as a person. I have also thoroughly enjoyed the student life at Hoover. Football and basketball games, pep rallies, dances, and so much more! RC3 has definitely been my favorite high school experience. It has provided me with knowledge to jumpstart my college career. I have been able to learn hands on, make new friends, and be a part of HOSA for future healthcare professionals. I feel confident going into college knowing that I already have knowledge on certain topics and subjects concerning healthcare.”
Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller
High School: Hoover High School
Activities and Achievements: Corps Commander of High School AFJROTC, Captain of High School Swim Team
College: Marion Military Institute, pursuing a Bachelor of Science, with plans to become an officer in the Air Force
Favorite Thing About High School: “My favorite thing about attending Hoover High School was making connections that I know will last forever.”
Georgia Goss
Georgia Goss
High School: Hoover High School, Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3): Cosmetology & Barbering Academy
Activities and Achievements: SGA Senior Class Officer, Peer Helper, Hoover Belle, “Teens Need Teens” Member, Hoover Diamond Dolls, National Technical Honor Society at RC3
College: Samford University
Favorite Thing About High School: “My favorite thing is the opportunities that are given to every single student. No matter who you are or what interests you may have, there is an outlet for you. I think that is what makes Hoover so special!”
Thea Friedman
Thea Friedman
High School: Hoover High School
Activities and Achievements: President of Paradigm Show Choir, Chamber Choir, Grace Note Acapella, Senior Honor Choir, Hoover Varsity Football Sports Medicine Team, Hoover Ambassadors, Hoover Wrestling Manager Team, Alabama All State Choir Member, Alabama All State Show Choir Member, Distinguished Young Women Preliminary Scholarship Winner (Self-Expression), Faith Church Student Ministries Leadership Team, YoungLife Portugal Work Crew Member, Finley Award Finalist
College: Auburn University, majoring in exercise science, then graduate school to become an occupational therapist
Favorite Thing About High School: “I’ve appreciated all of the opportunities to branch out of my comfort zone, whether that was taking a variety of challenging classes, auditioning for various groups and performances, and meeting many different people!”
Allie Barton
Allie Barton
High School: Spain Park High School
Activities and Achievements: Varsity Cross-Country and Track Team, Prefontaine Award for Cross Country season, A/B Honor Roll, Peer Helper, Presidential Scholarship
College: Huntingdon College, majoring in accounting and running with their cross-country and track team
Favorite Thing About High School: “The relationships I have built and the experience of getting to be placed on a team that felt like a family.”
McKaylah Steele
McKaylah Steele
High School: Hoover High School
Activities and Achievements: Hoover High School AFJROTC, Archery, Hoover High School FCCLA, FCCLA Fashion Design State Champ, Finley Award Nominee
College: University of Montevallo, majoring in elementary education
Favorite Thing About High School:
“I loved the wide variety of elective options available. They gave students the chance to try something new each year and even explore potential career paths they might be interested in.”
Zaiden Ajani
Zaiden Ajani
High School: Spain Park High School
Activities and Achievements:
Valedictorian, Eagle Scout, President of Green Earth Society, Boy Scout Troop (93): Troop Guide and Patrol Leader, Spain Park Ambassador, SGA Class Representative, Lead Specials Teacher at the Early Childhood Development Center at Jamatkhana, Math Team, Group Leader of Hoover Ignite Leadership Development, National Honor Society, National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, AP Capstone Diploma, Spanish Seal of Biliteracy, 3x Academic Letterman
College: Auburn University, majoring in engineering, with plans to become an astronaut
Favorite Thing About High School: “One of my favorite things about attending Spain Park High School is definitely the people. The community there made a big difference in my experience—from supportive teachers who genuinely cared about helping me grow, to friends who made everyday moments more enjoyable. Being surrounded by people who were motivated, involved, and willing to support each other created an environment where I could become the best version of myself.”