GSA announces 2026 senior honors recipients

Award winners include teen entrepreneur, radio show host, top math scorer and steel drummer

GSA head of school Dan Welch, right, announces this year’s honor recipients who are, from left, valedictorian Violette Hermans, first essayist Elizabeth McGaha, second essayist Anna Dovhanych and salutatorian Lillian “Rosy” Landrum. Photo courtesy of GSA.

March 17, 2026

By staff

BLUE HILL—George Stevens Academy has announced the 2026 Senior Honors.

Violette Hermans, a teenage entrepreneur, was named valedictorian. Lillian “Rosy” Landrum, who has her own radio show on WERU, is salutatorian. Elizabeth McGaha and Anna Dovhanych are first and second essayists, respectively.

The recipients were recognized at a school assembly for their “academic excellence, leadership, and character,” according to a press release. More information on each recipient is below.

Valedictorian: Violette Hermans

Violette Hermans has earned the distinction of Class Valedictorian, a reflection of her sustained academic excellence throughout her years at GSA. A recipient of the prestigious Dartmouth Book Award, Violette is also an entrepreneur—she is the owner of a cake pop business she built herself. She will attend Rhode Island College in the fall of 2026.

Salutatorian: Lillian Landrum

Lillian Landrum has been named Class Salutatorian. A recipient of the Bowdoin College Book Award, Lillian is a familiar voice on WERU, Blue Hill's community radio station, where she hosts a weekly show, and has spent time crafting artisan pizzas at Tinderhearth Bakery. She will attend Vassar College in the fall of 2026.

First Essayist: Elizabeth McGaha

Elizabeth McGaha has been named First Essayist. A winner of the Rochester Institute of Technology Science & Math Award, Elizabeth has been recognized by her teachers as among the top 1% of mathematics students to graduate from George Stevens Academy. She has also served as an intern with veteran art teacher Penny Ricker at neighboring Blue Hill Consolidated School. Elizabeth plans to pursue a career in dentistry.

Second Essayist: Anna Dovhanych

Anna Dovhanych has been named Second Essayist. A gifted mathematician and artist, Anna is multilingual and has been a standout contributor to GSA's Steel Revolution program. She has received multiple college acceptances and is weighing her options, with a strong interest in studying architecture.