Barack Obama High School Valedictorian Janiyah Merrill, left, and Salutatorian Cherish Wamack
By Dan Murphy
Congratulations to the 2026 Barack Obama High School Valedictorian Janiyah Merrill and Salutatorian Cherish Wamack.
Valedictorian Janiyah Merrill graduated with a 98.36% GPA. Her favorite teachers were Math teacher Mr. Mumun and History teacher Mrs. Frisik.
Obama HS Girls Basketball Coach Nelson also had a positive impact on Merrill, whose favorite subjects are history and math.
Janiyah’s extracurricular activities at Obama HS included the Girls Basketball team, the drama club, Junior Achievement, YPIE, and Honors Society.
Merrill applied to 13 colleges and universities and was accepted into all 13. She will be attending SUNY New Paltz this fall.
“My future plans academically are to graduate from college while managing a 3.0 GPA or higher. Then I will eventually get my master’s degree. My future plan as a career is to become a teacher.”
What do you like most about Obama HS? “I like our school community. The people around me support me and make my time more enjoyable.”
Any advice for a future valedictorian? “If I could leave a piece of advice, it is don’t track other people’s progress; just focus on yourself, and the outcome will be great. And don’t let the wrong people influence your path and affect your dreams.”
Obama HS Salutatorian Cherish Wamack graduated with a 97.59% GPA. Her favorite teacher was English teacher Laura Vushaj.
Cherish’s favorite subjects are English and Science. Her extracurricular activities included Volleyball, Softball, Basketball, Cooking and Baking.
Wamack was accepted into 8 colleges and universities and will be attending SUNY Albany next month. “I want to go on a pre-med track and/or become a physical therapist.”
What do you like most about Obama HS? “The staff, including teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators. They all impacted my life and have my respect and appreciation.”
Any advice for a future Salutatorian? “I think it’s important that they know, no matter where their destination might be, just remember you made it through the hardest part with determination. And keep that passion for your next journey.”