Salute to Success Student Recognition Ceremony honors NNPS top students
Published May 15, 2026
The Newport News Education Foundation celebrated the accomplishments of the top students in Newport News Public Schools at its annual Salute to Success Student Recognition Ceremony on May 14 at the Marriott at City Center.
“This event is one that the members of the Newport News Education Foundation look forward to all year because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate and recognize high school students who have shown incredible dedication and determination,” said NNEF President Sharon Martin.
Katie Collett, WAVY-TV 10 and FOX 43 morning news anchor, served as speaker and emcee for the student presentations.
Those honored for their outstanding efforts towards becoming prepared for their future endeavors included valedictorians; salutatorians; students who received National Merit Scholarship Recognition; top career and technical education students; and top students in grades 9, 10 and 11.
Kody Brindle, a graduating senior at Warwick High School, was recognized as the 2026 Wayne D. Lett Scholar. He received a $10,000 scholarship funded by donor support towards his tuition.
The Foundation awarded the Virginia Educators Credit Union/Glasofer Scholarship $5,000 award to Denbigh High School senior Nicholas Brown.
As recipients, Brindle and Brown have committed to teach in NNPS for three consecutive years after college graduation.
This year a one-time $5,000 Every Day Counts Attendance Innovation Scholarship was awarded to Menchville High School senior Jesel Gomez-Suate.
