Adrian Public Schools Honors Outstanding Students

Six students from across the district recognized for exemplary citizenship

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Adrian Public Schools has awarded its first Outstanding Citizens Awards to six students representing the district's four elementary schools, middle school, and high school. Superintendent Nate Parker presented the honors at Monday night's Board of Education meeting.

Why it matters

The new awards program aims to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional citizenship and community engagement within the Adrian school district. By highlighting these role models, APS hopes to inspire other students to follow in their footsteps and become active, responsible members of their schools and local community.

The details

The six award recipients are: Alex Whitaker-Bolford of Alexander Elementary, Maddox Gillespie of Lincoln Elementary, Dereck Torres-Rodriguez of Michener Elementary, Harper Pless of Prarie Elementary, Karly Smith of Springbrook Middle School, and Nise Nombo of Adrian High School. Superintendent Nate Parker recognized the students' outstanding citizenship during Monday's Board of Education meeting.

  • The awards were presented on February 13, 2026 during the Adrian Board of Education meeting.

The players

Nate Parker

Superintendent of Adrian Public Schools.

Alex Whitaker-Bolford

Student at Alexander Elementary School and recipient of the Outstanding Citizens Award.

Maddox Gillespie

Student at Lincoln Elementary School and recipient of the Outstanding Citizens Award.

Dereck Torres-Rodriguez

Student at Michener Elementary School and recipient of the Outstanding Citizens Award.

Harper Pless

Student at Prarie Elementary School and recipient of the Outstanding Citizens Award.

Karly Smith

Student at Springbrook Middle School and recipient of the Outstanding Citizens Award.

Nise Nombo

Student at Adrian High School and recipient of the Outstanding Citizens Award.

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What’s next

The Outstanding Citizens Awards will likely become an annual tradition for Adrian Public Schools, with new recipients recognized each year for their exemplary citizenship and community engagement.

The takeaway

By honoring these six students as role models, Adrian Public Schools is reinforcing the importance of good citizenship and community involvement among its student body. This new awards program aims to inspire more young people to be active, responsible members of their schools and local community.