The top two Class of 2026 Early College High School graduates are strong supporters of Killeen ISD’s non-traditional high school that partners with Central Texas College.
Both are Killeen natives and both have older siblings who graduated from Early College High School.
Valedictorian Maxymus Channan and salutatorian Thomas Pauley earned associates degrees from CTC and will address their high school class as the No. 1 and No. 2 graduate during Early College High School commencement at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 27 at Cadence Bank Center.
Valedictorian Maxymus Channan
Channan attended Sugar Loaf Elementary School and Palo Alto Middle School before following his older sister to Early College High School.
As a freshman he was ranked fourth, then rose with Pauley into the top two, where they switched spots through the years.
“It feels great,” said Channan. “Having this accomplishment makes me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to in my life.”
While his dad and sister influenced his decision to attend the non-traditional high school, Channan said “It was my decision to come here and take advantage of this opportunity. The focus on academics is something I’ve always wanted.”
He plans to attend Texas A&M University-Central Texas and to pursue a career as a physician.
“It prepared me for the rigor and the life of having college work,” the valedictorian said of Early College. “I think if I had gone to another high school and I didn’t take college courses it would have been harder to learn that academic home and work life balance that I learned here.”
Salutatorian Thomas Pauley
Pauley attended Ira Cross, Haynes and Douse elementary schools, then Smith Middle School for the STEM academy before moving on to Early College, where his older brother attended.
“It’s very satisfying because of all the years I’ve put in. It’s finally paid off. I’m ready to move on to the next stage in my life,” Pauley said.
“Being here has been a mind changer. I really like the classes, teachers and students. It’s a smaller campus with smaller classes,” he said.
As a freshman, Pauley said he was surprised to find out he was ranked No. 1, a spot he held until moving to No. 2 as a junior.
He is set to attend Texas A&M University and study engineering on his way to the U.S. Air Force, following his father and brother into the military.
“Honestly, this is the place to be,” he said. “You get your associates degree early. There are so many teachers to help you. CTC has so many resources and opportunities.”
Photos of all KISD valedictorians and salutatorians: https://www.killeenisd.org/photos