St. Aloysius names Elizabeth Bednar Valedictorian for Class of 2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — 

Elizabeth Bednar has been named the valedictorian for the 2026 graduating class at St. Aloysius High School. Bednar’s years of academic excellence paid off Tuesday night as she graduated with the school’s highest honors.

“I’m super excited and grateful because I’ve imagined this moment and prayed a lot about it,” Bednar said.

Although Bednar had a feeling she would earn the title, she did not officially receive the news until about a week before graduation when Principal Dawn Meeks and Jordan Amborn informed her.

“I started jumping up and down so it’s safe to say I was excited,” she said.

Throughout her high school career, Bednar consistently pushed herself academically. She spent years pursuing a perfect ACT score and finished with a 35, just one point shy of perfection.

Bednar said she has been preparing for academic success her entire life. As the daughter of parents who both hold Ph.D.s, she hopes to become the third generation in her family to earn the degree.

In her valedictorian speech, Bednar expressed gratitude to those who supported her and reflected on the close bond she shared with her classmates.

During high school, Bednar served as a Flashette captain, National Honor Society treasurer, a member of the Vicksburg Cotillion Club and the Key Club, along with participating in several other organizations.

“Thank you to St. Al for being so amazing because this place has given me a solid foundation for the rest of my life and I’m excited to go out into life and do some amazing things,” Bednar said.

Bednar plans to attend Mississippi State University, where she will major in physics and minor in mathematics. She is the daughter of Anthony and Amy Bednar.