White County High School announces 25-26 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Submitted by WCHS principal Greg Wilson

The White County High School administration proudly announces the top 2 graduates for the 2025-2026 class. These two students have excelled both in the classroom and extracurricular activities. Their achievements have been critical to the success of this year’s graduating class—the remarkable academic success and leadership these two young people have given the WCHS Class of 2026 is memorable.

The 2025-2026 salutatorian is Leslie Katherine Pickering, the daughter of Scott and Kristin Pickering. Leslie stated about her achievement, “I’m honored to represent WCHS with this award, given the countless memories and friendships I have built here and how much that this school has changed and directed me to who I am today.” Pickering is proud to represent her class and hopes to represent the values, education, and hard work that WCHS and the White County School System offers to current students and faculty. Pickering has attended Northfield Elementary, White County Middle School, and White County High School in her educational journey. 

Leslie will be graduating with state honors, having met all four benchmarks on the ACT, and distinction. Ready Graduate, earned an Industry Certification (OSHA 10), and maintained a 4.0 GPA. She also received college credits by passing AP Human Geography and AP Language and Composition and has completed 3 dual enrollment courses and is currently enrolled in two more through Motlow State. She will graduate Summa Cum Laude. Leslie scored 27 on the ACT and a 77 on the ASVAB. She has been involved in FFA, BETA Club, Science Club, Science Olympiad, and band during her time at WCHS. Leslie plans to attend TTU in the fall and pursue a degree in the math and science field and pursue graduate studies after receiving a bachelor’s degree. 

Leslie is thankful for her parents for their guidance and support especially in her early years of her educational walk. That instilled in her a desire for discipline, responsibility, and hard work that have made her succeed in her walk as a student. She stated that her favorite teacher was, “Mr. Roger Mills.” After being told by Mr. Wilson of her accomplishment she said that, she was excited and proud of herself and Addy Cocke for becoming the top in their class, showing that their hard work had paid off. Leslie’s favorite memories are when she attended and performed at the WCHS football games in the WCHS marching band.

The 2025-2026 valedictorian is Addy Belle Cocke, the daughter of Jordan and Tisha Cocke. Cocke said, “I am proud to be representing my school in a positive way and I am happy that my hard work has paid off.” Addy is also happy to represent her class as an academic leader. She also feels that being an academic leader means having responsibility and working hard to achieve her goals. Addy has attended White County Schools throughout her educational career, with stops at Doyle Elementary, White County Middle School, and White County High School. 

Addy will be graduating with state honors, having met all four benchmarks on the ACT, and distinction. Ready Graduate, earned an Industry Certification (OSHA 10), and maintained a 4.0 GPA. She also received college credits by passing AP Human Geography and completed two dual enrollment courses at Motlow State. She will graduate Summa Cum Laude. Addy scored 26on the ACT and a 74 on the ASVAB. Addy has been involved in Cross Country, Track, Flag Football, Science Club, BETA Club, Science Olympiad, FFA, Pickle Ball Club, and Band during her high school days at WCHS. Addy plans on attending TTU in the fall and major in Psychology and transfer to a larger school for her master’s degree, and become a child psychologist or a social worker. She has really enjoyed working with the kindergarten students at Findlay Elementary in her Service Learning program at WCHS. 

Addy is thankful for her parents who have always been there for her even when she messed up. “They are the Best!” Determining a favorite teacher for Addy was a difficult choice, so she chose two, Mr. Wesley Martin and Mr. Ken Craig. When Mr. Wilson announced that she had received the Valedictorian designation, Addy said, “I was just happy that I finally achieved a major goal, I had been working toward, and that my hard work had paid off.” Addy’s favorite high school memories were watching her class perform at the lip sync battle and working with the kindergarteners at Findlay Elementary.

Both of these fine young people will be featured speakers on May 15, 2026, in the 2026Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony will be held at the WCHS Football Stadium. Please join us in celebrating all graduating seniors on this special evening.