Marking the culmination of two years of rigorous academic study, nine recent graduates of Jackson County High School have earned the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. 

This year’s recipients are Kayla Boebel, Aidenn Jones, Cassidy Lugo, Danielle Mai, Sofia Ramos, Mia Rodriguez, Isabel Shautt, Emerson Wright, and Skylar Xiong.

“Joining IB has helped me critically evaluate information and see intersections between subject areas,” said Boebel, a Co-Valedictorian at JCHS for the Class of 2026. 

Established in 1968, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is an internationally recognized curriculum for high school juniors and seniors. Students who successfully complete the required coursework may earn the IB Diploma based on official assessments.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Coordinator Alex Nichols praised this year's graduates and the dedication shown by all students in the cohort.

“All students who join the IB Diploma Programme demonstrate an impressive commitment to learning and self-improvement,” Nichols said. “It’s an incredible accomplishment and, hopefully, just one reflection of the many ways they’ve grown throughout their experience.”

Beyond the Diploma Programme, JCHS juniors and seniors can enroll in individual IB courses. Accordingly, 58 students earned passing scores on one or more IB exams taken in May, making them eligible for college credit at many colleges and universities. Two IB Spanish students, Luisana Gotopo-Avila and Leslie Sanchez, each earned the highest possible score on their exams.

“IB has taught me to connect my learning to the real world and think deeply about how I can use what I learn in the future,” said Xiong, the Co-Valedictorian. 

The program continues to grow this year, with record cohort sizes. Twenty-one seniors will attempt to earn the IB Diploma in May, while 26 juniors began their first Diploma Programme courses this month.

Nichols added, “Jackson County students are truly fortunate to have opportunities like the IB Diploma Programme, and we’re excited to see a growing number of students choosing to challenge themselves and develop a passion for learning in the process.”