CLASS OF
2026
Zionsville Community High School
CELEBRATING THE ZCHS CLASS OF 2026!
OVERVIEW
On a beautiful evening, the Ascension St. Vincent Stadium was filled with pride, anticipation, and celebration as the Zionsville Community High School Class of 2026 gathered for Commencement. Under beautiful skies, graduates took their places before a crowd of family and friends, ready to mark this milestone moment. The ceremony featured all the cherished traditions of graduation day.
The ceremonial turning of the tassels signaled new beginnings. Some of our graduates will head to college while others will pursue a trade or a gap year, begin a career, or enlist in the military. Wherever their paths lead, ZCS graduates are prepared and supported.
ACHIEVEMENTS
More than 68 percent of graduates earned a Core 40 Diploma with academic or technical honors. Five foreign exchange students participated in the commencement ceremony and will receive diplomas from their home school. Four members of the Class of 2026 enlisted in a branch of the military, an ROTC program, or a United States Military Academy and 26 seniors earned an industry certification through the J. Everett Light Career Center (JEL).
ZCHS seniors passed 942 AP exams with a score of three or higher (using the most up-to-date data from 2025), while earning 2,070 credits in dual credit courses​, valued at $1,759,500 in college tuition.*
*Calculation based on the national average for any postsecondary institution of $850 per credit-hour course. AP cumulative results are released each July. The credit course calculation reflects our most up-to-date data from 2025.
Members of the Class of 2026 participated in nearly 90 clubs and activities and completed 54,000 hours of community service raising more than $75,000 for charities over their past four years.​
Ahead of graduation, seniors participated in the annual Senior Awards Ceremony. During this year’s program, senior award recipients were recognized for earning more than $1,085,000 worth of scholarship and award money from local and individual foundations, many of whom are based in Boone County or neighboring communities. Congratulations to the ZCHS Class of 2026.
CELEBRATIONS
We celebrated seniors in many ways leading up to graduation. This wrap-up offers a look inside some of the highlights during this graduation season. Congratulations to the Class of 2026.
MAKING AN IMPACT
CLASS OF 2026
578
graduates
Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) celebrated 578 graduates in the Class of 2026 Commencement ceremony.
68
percent
More than 68 percent of graduates earned a Core 40 Diploma with academic or technical honors.
Congrats
Class of 2026!
COMMITTING TO SERVICE
Four
members
Four members of the Class of 2026 committed to enlistment in the military, an ROTC program or a United States Military Academy.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
26
seniors
Twenty-six members of the Class of 2026 earned an industry-recognized certification through course work at the J. Everett Light Career Center.
AP and
dual credit
ZCHS students passed 942 Advanced Placement Exams with a three or higher and earned 2,070 credits in dual credit courses.​
Special
thank you
A special thank you to the parents and guardians of the members of the Class of 2026 for their support throughout the educational journey. We appreciate your partnership.
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau
YOUR JOURNEY HERE IS COMPLETE WITH AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT
WHAT'S NEXT?
Our graduates are heading in many directions including college, the trades, gap years, careers, and military service, and no matter the path, they leave ZCS prepared, supported, and ready for what’s next.
See what’s next for some of our graduates!
A SOLID FOUNDATION
STUDENT SUCCESSES
Student
athletes
The ZCHS athletic program continued a tradition of excellence during the 2025-2026 school year, earning championships, individual honors, and recognition across the conference, sectional, state, and national levels. Student-athletes competed with determination, sportsmanship, and pride while representing Zionsville Community High School both on and off the field.
Among the year's accomplishments were three Hoosier Crossroads Conference (HCC) championships, five sectional championships, and seven HCC Coach of the Year honors. The Eagles also celebrated both team and individual state championships. Taylor Snively captured an individual state title in girls golf, while the girls golf team earned a state championship, adding another remarkable chapter to the program's history.
ZCHS was also recognized for its commitment to character and sportsmanship. The school became the first HCC member to earn all three HCC Sportsmanship Awards in a single year, a reflection of the values demonstrated by student-athletes, coaches, and supporters throughout the seasons.
Athletics remained a major part of school and community life throughout the year. ZCHS hosted more than 700 athletic events, including postseason competitions such as the Girls Volleyball Sectional, Girls Soccer Sectional, HCC Wrestling Championships, Girls Track Sectional, Softball Sectional, and the Girls Lacrosse Semi-State and State Championship. More than 50 student-athletes committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level, while a record 160 students earned recognition as Eagle Scholars, demonstrating excellence both academically and athletically.
Together, these accomplishments highlight the dedication, perseverance, and competitive spirit of ZCHS student-athletes, coaches, and supporters while reflecting the strong tradition of excellence that continues to define Eagle athletics.
Student
artists
The ZCHS music programs continued a tradition of excellence throughout the 2025-2026 school year, earning recognition at the state, national, and international levels while providing countless performance opportunities for students.
The Marching Band earned first place at the ISSMA Scholastic Class A State Finals before representing Zionsville Community Schools in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. Indoor Percussion also enjoyed an exceptional season, capturing first place in the Percussion Scholastic Open Class before going on to place fifth at its world competition. The band program was further recognized with the prestigious ISSMA All-Music Award.
The orchestra program also celebrated an outstanding year. All four ZCHS orchestras earned Gold with Distinction ratings at ISSMA, while 32 soloists and ensembles received Gold ratings, including 14 Gold with Distinction honors. Through a partnership with ZOinc, 80 students attended an Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performance and participated in a special question-and-answer session with ISO musicians. Sinfonia and Philharmonic orchestras also performed at the Ball State University Orchestra Invitational, while the school's United Sound chapter performed at the inaugural Zionsville Disability Awareness Festival.
The ZCHS Choir, Combo & Crew program remained active throughout the year, sharing their talents across the school and community. Students participated in the Zionsville Fall Festival and Parade, performed the National Anthem at football games, presented quarterly concerts, took part in the fall musical Grease, performed at St. Luke's Concert and the ZCS Connections Concert, participated in the Holiday Home Tour, competed in show choir events across three states, and concluded the year with the annual Finale production.
The program also enjoyed a remarkable competitive season. Choralaires earned Grand Champion honors at both Pike and Sullivan, while Royalaires captured a Grand Champion title at Sullivan and earned top placements throughout the season. Both ensembles received numerous awards recognizing excellence in vocals, choreography, combo, crew, and show design, while students also earned individual honors for their performances.
Together, these accomplishments reflect the dedication, talent, and hard work of ZCHS student musicians and directors while highlighting the important role the performing arts play in the life of the school and community.
Student
giving
The Class of 2026 left a lasting impact on both Zionsville Community High School and the broader community through service, leadership, and involvement.
Over the course of their four years, members of the graduating class completed more than 54,000 hours of community service and helped raise more than $75,000 for charitable organizations and causes. Their efforts supported countless individuals, organizations, and initiatives both locally and beyond.
Beyond service, seniors were deeply involved in school life, participating in more than 90 clubs, organizations, activities, performing arts groups, and athletic programs. Whether leading student organizations, competing in athletics, performing on stage, volunteering in the community, or pursuing academic interests, members of the Class of 2026 helped shape the spirit of ZCHS.
Together, their contributions reflect a class committed not only to achievement, but also to service, leadership, connection, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
RECOGNIZING
SENIORS
Senior Awards Night
Highlights from Senior Awards Night 2026
Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) students were recognized at the annual Senior Awards Ceremony. This year's program recognized senior award recipients for earning more than $1,000,000 worth of scholarship and award money from local and individual foundations, many of whom are based in Boone County or neighboring communities.
This year, the graduates of ZCHS have reported their intent to matriculate to universities, community colleges, technical apprenticeships, or military service. Beyond the classroom, these students have been honored at the state, regional and national level for their accomplishments in publications, robotics, business leadership, academic competitions, performing arts and athletics.
Achieving
Academic Excellence
See highlights!
ZCHS seniors were honored for outstanding academic achievement through 4.0 distinctions, Eagle Scholars recognition, and departmental awards.
Academic excellence took center stage as seniors were recently recognized for their hard work, commitment, and achievement during a celebration honoring 4.0 students, Eagle Scholars, and departmental award recipients.
These recognitions reflect years of dedication both inside and outside the classroom. From maintaining exceptional academic performance to demonstrating passion and excellence within specific subject areas and in athletics, students were celebrated.
Congratulations!
Leading with Character
ZCHS and the Rotary Club of Zionsville celebrate seniors who embody the Strong in Every Way ideals
The Rotary Club of Zionsville celebrated 20 outstanding Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS) seniors at a breakfast recognition event. These students were nominated by ZCHS teachers for exemplifying the ZCS Strong in Every Way ideals including compassion, confidence, ethics, wellness and determination as well as the guiding principles of the Rotary Four-Way Test.
Congratulations to those students who were recognized during this special morning.
Boone County Top 20
Top 20 students from all three Boone County high schools came together for a countywide celebration at Lebanon High School.
Outstanding academic achievement was celebrated as the Boone County Top 20 students from each of the three county schools gathered for a recognition luncheon at Lebanon High School. The event honored seniors from across the county who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and success throughout their high school careers.
Zionsville Community High School students were among those recognized, representing years of commitment inside and outside the classroom. Students were recognized for reaching this impressive milestone.
Congratulations!
National Merit Finalists
Zionsville Community High School is proud to celebrate the academic achievements of eight students who advanced to become National Merit Scholarship Finalists, a distinction earned by fewer than one percent of high school seniors nationwide.
The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, strong standardized test scores, and a sustained commitment to learning.
Their achievement reflects years of dedication in the classroom as well as the support of teachers, families, and mentors who have helped guide their academic journeys.
An Extaordinary Honor
Caroline Cox and Anthony Thieu earned one of Indiana’s most prestigious academic honors, being named Lilly Endowment Community Scholars.
The highly competitive scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community service. Each year, only a small number of students across Indiana receive the award through their local community foundations.
Celebrating Seniors Signing on as Future Educators
ZCHS seniors pursuing education degrees in college participated in the the school's first Education Majors Signing Day.
Seniors who plan to pursue careers in teaching participated in a signing day to celebrate this career path.
The event brought together students, families, cadet teachers, college representatives, and educators to recognize the impact of the education profession. Seniors officially marked the beginning of their journey into education by signing their commitments and celebrating alongside those who helped inspire their path.
The event served as both a recognition of student achievement and a tribute to the educators who shaped their experiences along the way.
As students prepare to take their next steps, Education Majors Signing Day highlighted the lasting power of education and the next generation ready to make a difference.
Memories & Milestones
A Senior Celebration to Remember
ZCHS seniors marked their final full day together with Memories and Milestones, a full-circle celebration that blended reflection with excitement for what’s ahead.
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