06/12/2026
Donovan Cortez Willis earned the historic distinction of being the first African American male valedictorian in the history of Tarboro High School. He was also the only member of the Class of 2026 to graduate with the highest academic honor of Summa Cum Laude. These achievements represent years of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence, and they deserved to be recognized accordingly.
On behalf of the faculty and staff of Tarboro High School and Edgecombe County Public Schools, we offer our sincere and heartfelt apology to Donovan Willis and his family for the manner in which his valedictorian recognition was handled during the 2026 graduation ceremony.
Following a review of the circumstances surrounding the ceremony, we acknowledge that the design and ex*****on of the graduation program did not appropriately honor Donovan's achievements or reflect the significance of the historic milestone he accomplished. As valedictorian, Donovan did not lead the graduation processional, nor was he seated on stage during the ceremony. Instead, he remained seated with the graduating class, was called to the stage to deliver his valedictory address after diplomas had been presented, and then returned to his seat among his classmates.
We acknowledge that we failed to properly honor Donovan's achievements during one of the most important moments of his academic journey. As a result, his historic accomplishments were not recognized in the manner they deserved, causing understandable hurt and disappointment to Donovan and his family. For that, we offer our sincere and heartfelt apology.
We understand that this moment represented far more than a title. It was the culmination of years of sacrifice, determination, support from family, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We recognize that a milestone of this magnitude deserved to be celebrated in a way that reflected both Donovan's extraordinary accomplishments and the historic significance of his achievement. We deeply regret that our actions fell short of that expectation.
We accept responsibility for this failure. Upon reflection, we acknowledge that the program design was flawed and that we did not provide Donovan with the level of recognition customarily afforded to a valedictorian, nor the additional recognition warranted by his distinction as the only Summa Cum Laude graduate in the Class of 2026. Donovan earned that recognition, and he deserved better from us.
We also recognize the disappointment, hurt, and frustration experienced by Donovan, his family, alumni, and members of the Tarboro and Edgecombe County communities who expected this historic accomplishment to be properly honored. We are truly sorry for the pain this situation has caused.
Edgecombe County Public Schools and Tarboro High School are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that future ceremonies appropriately recognize and celebrate the achievements of all students. In addition, Donovan will be formally recognized in a public setting where Edgecombe County Public Schools can properly celebrate his accomplishments, acknowledge the historic significance of his achievement, and honor the excellence he has demonstrated throughout his academic career.
To Donovan, we extend our heartfelt congratulations. Your accomplishments have secured a place in the history of Tarboro High School and serve as an inspiration to current and future students. We are proud of your achievements, grateful for your contributions to our school community, and committed to ensuring that your success is recognized in the manner it deserves.
Again, we offer our deepest apologies to Donovan and his family and reaffirm our commitment to making this right.
