As another graduation season wraps up, the Lowcountry is celebrating an exceptional group of young leaders, athletes and entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world. The Class of 2026 represents the very best of our local communities. These remarkable young men and women are proving that the future is in incredibly capable hands.
Quin Scanlon: The Flying Entrepreneur
Lucy Beckham High School
Quin Scanlon leaves Lucy Beckham High School with a remarkable legacy defined by leadership and ambition. A highly skilled fullback, Quin spent his high school career dominating the rugby field, proudly playing for both the Bengals and the Wando Warriors.
Off the field, his dedication to the community and his sharp business mind were equally evident. He served through the ECCAS Lighthouse Keepers Leadership Program and showed early business acumen by helping launch Small Shield LLC, a digital security company tailored for small businesses. Currently earning his pilot’s license and preparing for summer real estate studies, Quin is keeping his eyes on the skies and the market. This fall, he is officially headed to Pace University in New York City to study international business.
Ella Petry: The Scholar-Athlete with a Championship Heart
Oceanside Collegiate Academy
Ella Petry effortlessly conquered both the classroom and the athletic field, graduating from Oceanside Collegiate Academy as a true scholar-athlete. Ella achieved a phenomenal 5.176 
GPA and accumulated 52 hours of college credit, earning her Associate of Arts degree before even receiving her high school diploma. Despite this workload, she remained deeply committed to her community, dedicating over 82 hours to community service.
Known as a brilliant writer, Ella was a warm, smiling face in the hallways and was highly sought after for tutoring by her peers. She could frequently be found on the team bus, selflessly advising her soccer teammates on how to polish their essays. As a four-year varsity soccer player and team captain, Ella anchored the squad and led them to an incredible sixth straight state championship.
Her rare combination of talent caught the attention of more than 40 college coaches nationwide, leading her to accept a full athletic scholarship to play for the University of Maryland this fall, where she plans to study to become a physician assistant (PA) specializing in dermatology.
Sam Treptow
Wando High School
Sam Treptow represents the best of Wando High School. A National Merit semifinalist and one of the top students in his class, Sam challenged himself academically by excelling in 11 
AP courses while completing both the engineering and computer science programs at the East Cooper Center for Advanced Studies. His impressive achievements, however, tell only part of his story.
Beyond the classroom, Sam has been a dedicated leader and role model, serving in Student Council, Key Club, AP Academy and the National Honor Society, where he is known for his reliability, initiative and willingness to support others. He has also distinguished himself as a varsity athlete and captain of both the men’s volleyball and track teams, demonstrating the same determination and teamwork that marked his academic success.
What truly defines this student though is his character. He is selfless and deeply committed to making a positive impact on others. He leads not for recognition, but because he genuinely cares about Wando and his community.
Anna Alomar: A High-Flying Polymath
Philip Simmons High School
Anna Alomar has spent the last four years accumulating an astonishing array of awards and leadership titles that span academics, music and athletics.
Her honors speak directly to this diverse talent. In music, Anna earned the Band Bernstein Award and a “Superior” rating in Solo & Ensemble Band Performance for the flute. On the 
sports fields, she achieved All-State and All-Region honors in cross country and track and the Cross Country Rookie of the Year award. Academically, she is a four-time Breakfast of Champions honoree, a Junior Scholar, a National AP Scholar with Distinction and holds a Bronze Certification of Biliteracy for Spanish.
Her leadership inside the school was just as pronounced, serving as Beta Club treasurer, Sophomore Board President, a four-year member of student government and captain of her club soccer team. In the community, she balanced her time by working as a pool attendant and a part-time server at the Daniel Pointe Retirement Community.
When college acceptance letters arrived, Anna secured an incredible $847,575 in total scholarships, including the prestigious NROTC Scholarship and the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. This fall, she will attend the University of Notre Dame to major in biological sciences on a pre-med track.
Offering words of wisdom to her classmates, she shared: “Never give up on yourself and keep striving to be the best!”
Katie Griffin: Aiming Higher for Country and Sport
Bishop England High School
Greatness also comes in packages of sheer determination and specialized athletic talent, as perfectly exemplified by local standout Katie Griffin.
Katie is officially taking her incredible academic and athletic talents to the federal stage. She has accepted a prestigious athletic scholarship to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, where she will compete at the collegiate level in the pole vault event.
The Coast Guard Academy is one of the most selective institutions of higher learning in the country, demanding rigorous physical fitness, impeccable character and sharp academic minds. Katie’s specialization is in the pole vault, an event requiring immense personal courage, perfect technique and explosive strength. This talent mirrors the exact traits she will need as she trains to serve her country. The Lowcountry will be proudly watching as she clears new heights on the track and prepares for a life of vital service on the seas.
A Bright Future Ahead
The exceptional accomplishments of these young leaders showcase the immense drive, compassion and ambition defining the Class of 2026. These outstanding individuals are stepping into the future with a proven record of excellence, taking on everything from elite international business programs and local ventures to highly competitive medical tracks and national service. Their dedication has set a profound standard for our community, and they are fully prepared to make a lasting impact on the world.
Congratulations to Quin, Ella, Sam, Anna, Katie and the entire Class of 2026! You have made our community incredibly proud, and we cannot wait to see how you change the world.
By Bella Harrar
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