Paso Robles High School has announced its top academic honorees for the Class of 2026, recognizing two students whose outstanding achievement, leadership and dedication earned them the distinction of valedictorian and salutatorian, awarded annually to the graduates with the highest grade point averages in the class.

This year's valedictorian is Kingston Anguiano, who earned a weighted grade point average of 4.84. Quinn Kobayashi has been named salutatorian with a weighted grade point average of 4.81.

Anguiano will attend UCLA in the fall, where he plans to study environmental science while pursuing a minor in business. He also hopes to continue his athletic involvement through club volleyball.

Throughout high school, Anguiano challenged himself academically through Cuesta College coursework while completing Paso Robles High School's Early Childhood Education Career Technical Education pathway. He served all four years in Leadership, was a member of the men's volleyball team, and served as Student Council senior class secretary. He credits the Field Studies Collaborative program and the friendships he built along the way for shaping his high school experience.

Anguiano credits his success to being open-minded and seizing every opportunity, believing that with determination, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. 

Kobayashi will also attend UCLA, where she plans to study business economics and pursue a minor in entrepreneurship.
A leader both in and out of the classroom, Kobayashi served as senior class vice president and competed on the women’s soccer team, which she names as one of the highlights of her high school experience—providing a way to stay active while developing deep and close friendships.

Kobayashi credits her success to a steady optimism and a belief in approaching every challenge with the mindset, “I can do it.”

Paso Robles High School Principal Michael Susank said both students exemplify the determination, perseverance and leadership that define the Class of 2026.

"Kingston and Quinn have each distinguished themselves through extraordinary academic achievement while remaining actively involved in student life," Susank said. "They represent the very best of what it means to be a Bearcat, and we are excited to see the impact they will make as they begin the next chapter of their educational journeys."

The Paso Robles Joint Unified School District congratulates Anguiano and Kobayashi on this remarkable accomplishment and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.

About Paso Robles Joint Unified School District
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District serves more than 6,400 students across northern San Luis Obispo County. Guided by its core values of integrity, accountability, collaboration, innovation, compassion, and belonging, PRJUSD is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment where every student feels valued, empowered, and prepared to thrive.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District
Melissa Godsey
Public Information Officer