Wellston High School has announced its valedictorian and salutatorian for the graduating Class of 2026. Kaden James and Wylee Terrell were named valedictorians, while Jett Golightly was named salutatorian.
Kaden James, Valedictorian
KadenJamesisthesonof Kirby and Britni James. He has attendedWellston Public Schools for 10 years.
He has a 4.2 GPA and scored a 34 on the ACT. He received the Oklahoma State University’s Rising Scholar Institutional Nominee Recipient, 3rd Place at the State Oklahoma FFA Speech and is a National Honor Society Member.
Kaden’s clubs and organizations include FFA (Wellston Chapter president), Oklahoma Department of Agriculture’s Youth Council, Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership intern, FFA OK FFA Foundation intern and the Wellston Peer Mentorship Group.
He has volunteered with John O’Talley’s OSU Student Leadership Group, Acts of Love Food Pantry, the annual campus cleanup and has been a HOBY Leadershipinternandcommunity support volunteer.
After graduation, Kaden plans to attend Oklahoma State University and major inAgribusiness with a Prelaw option. He hopes to support Oklahoma tribes and ag producers through litigation.
Wylee Terrell, Valedictorian
Wylee Terrell is the son of Brock and Alicia Terrell. He has attended Wellston Public Schools since pre-K.
He has a 4.128 GPA and been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll all throughout high school. In baseball, he is a Gold Glove Recipient. In basketball, he was a Conference All Star in 2026 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2025. In track, he was Outstanding Runner in 2024 and 2025 and placed seventh at State in the 3200m and 1600m. He received Outstanding Member in FFA in 2022 and the Top Hand Award in 2024.
Wylee’s clubs and organizations include National Honor Society, FFA, the Peer Mentorship Program, the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Foundation, baseball, basketball, track and FBC Wellston Youth Group.
He volunteers at Wellston’s food pantry and helps elderly people in need of work done around the house.
After graduation, Wylee plans to attend Oklahoma State University and obtain a degree in Mechanical Engineering, as well as join the Air National Guard.
Jett Golightly, Salutatorian
Jett Golightly is the son of Bill and Alietia Golightly. He has attended Wellston Public Schools for 14 years.
Hehasa3.9GPAandwas on the Principal’s Honor Roll from 2023 to 2025 and the Superintendent’s Honor Roll in 2026.
Jett’s clubs and organizations include National Honor Society, FFA, basketball and the Peer Mentorship Program.
He volunteers at the local food pantry.
After graduation, Jett plans to attend Oklahoma StateUniversityandpursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.