On Thursday, May 14, 2026, RIMSD recognized and honored its outstanding scholars who have proven themselves to be all-around good scholars, good citizens, and caring individuals who bring with them a positive force that helps to influence the school to be a better place to learn and grow. Each school in the district asked its faculty to select scholars based on the following criteria:
Maximizes their talents and abilities
Prioritizes others by offering help without being asked
Volunteers’ time, energy, and skills to support the school community
Maintains a consistently positive attitude
Displays a healthy sense of humor
Shows respect for themselves and others, and demonstrates honesty
Exhibits commitment and responsibility through strong work habits, regular attendance, punctuality, and self-discipline
Listens attentively to the needs and concerns of others
44 scholars were selected to receive awards and to be the guests of the district at this banquet.
Denkmann: Irishura Aline Martin, Jonathan Pizano-Alba, and Payton Yeater
Earl Hanson: Keelwai Su and Roselan Winn
Eugene Field: Terry Evans, Silas Grabosch, Stella Mader, and Devynn Swanson
Frances Willard: LaCari Lankford, Claudine Mwamini, and Liliane Niyungeko
Longfellow: Ja'Miyah Wilson Davis and Naomi Mendes
Ridgewood: Oliver Hostens, Destiny Lekos, and Silas Hser Eh Po
Rock Island Academy: Aaron Allison, A'Ryan Allison, Neema Bidemacho, and Mawazo Natani
Rock Island Center for Math & Science: Victorine Babwiriza, Gloria Cavazos, Karter Mueck, and Baylin Sikes
Thomas Jefferson: Arian Alimoski, Rocklyn Dunbar, and Zoe Tolley
Edison Junior High: Aelle Harris, Kaung Htain, and Eh Say
Washington Junior High School: Lilah Durbin, Davon Henderson, Maliyah McQueen, and Houston Zepeda
Rock Island High School: Anthony Henshaw, Ruby Marceleno, Nahimana Martin, Ezekiel Mugisha Niyonzima, Mohammadi Samir Rahimi, Yazmin Tinoco Ruiz, Rawan Shoukry, and Gracelynn Veys
Thurgood Marshall: Destiny (River) Stafford
Congrats to all our outstanding scholars!