As commencement approaches, the Bellwood-Antis School District proudly recognized its top two students this week when it announced the valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2026, students whose hard work and dedication set them apart.

Seniors Marissa Cacciotti and Cooper Lovrich distinguished themselves as the top two of the Class of 2026. Cacciotti earned the title of valedictorian as the senior with the highest GPA, and Lovrich was named the salutatorian.

Both will speak at  commencement, which will take place this year on May 29, at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

“I’m honored to receive this title; it’s something I set as a goal and worked hard to achieve,” said Cacciotti.

Cacciotti is the second person in her family to earn the title of valedictorian, her brother Vincent receiving the honor in 2024.

“My family was my biggest motivation, specifically my brother, Vincent. Seeing him earn this title in 2024 inspired me to work hard and achieve my goal,” she said.

Both Cacciotti and Lovrich are student-athletes and have worked hard to earn these titles. Cacciotti was a multiple letter-winner in soccer, basketball, and track and field. She was a two-time all-conference soccer player and has been a record-setting track athlete.

Lovrich is also  a multi-sport athlete participating in football and bocce.

“This year’s recipients are intelligent, but to rank number one or two you cannot depend on intelligence alone,” said high school principal Mr. Richard Schreier. “Both Marissa and Cooper put in the work and took a rigorous course of study to achieve this honor.  I am proud of them and look forward to their message they will share with their classmates at graduation.”

Two other featured speakers will join Cacciotti and Lovrich on the dais at commencement. Chloe Stotlzfus, who is president of the senior class, will also deliver an address, as will retiring BASD security guard and B-A alum Jeffrey Hannah.

Mr. Hannah was recently announced as the guest speaker as he winds down a 40-plus year career in law enforcement that included a career with the Pennsylvania State Police before joining the security team at B-A.