Clover High School will send more than 550 members of its Class of 2026 across the stage tonight at Winthrop Coliseum, where valedictorian Ella Grace Nighbor and salutatorian Isabella Grace Ward will lead the Blue Eagles in their final walk as students.
Both top graduates came up through the Clover School District together, moving from Crowders Creek Elementary School to Oakridge Middle School before finishing at the top of their high school class. This fall, both will continue to the University of South Carolina Honors College, carrying a Clover connection to Columbia into the year ahead.
Valedictorian Ella Grace Nighbor
Nighbor, a five time South Carolina state champion in track and cross country, balanced elite athletics with academics and service as a student ambassador and a member of several school organizations. She plans to study biology at the University of South Carolina Honors College while continuing her running career as a Gamecock.
The ceremony carries added meaning for her family. Her twin brother, Mason Nighbor, also ranks among the top graduates in the Class of 2026, putting two members of the same family near the front of a class of more than 550. Ella and Mason are the children of Jill and Christopher Nighbor.
“It is such an honor to represent CHS as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian,” Nighbor said during the district’s graduation rehearsal. “I am so thankful for everyone who has supported me throughout every aspect of my life growing up, including sports, academics, and extracurriculars. The constant encouragement has meant everything to me. I have so much gratitude for the memories and friendships I have made along the way. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me at the University of South Carolina. Go Gamecocks!”
Salutatorian Isabella Grace Ward
Ward, known as Bella Grace, has built her own record of leadership and service. A swimmer who also coaches younger students, she served as a student ambassador and a member of the Clover High School Student Council while staying active in her church and other school and community activities. The daughter of Natalie and Scott Ward, she will also attend the University of South Carolina Honors College, where she plans to major in social work.
“I am super honored to be Salutatorian for the Class of 2026,” Ward said. “I am so grateful for my CSD family, parents, and friends who have supported me through everything.”
The Clover School District recognized both students for excellence inside and outside the classroom, pointing to their years of academic achievement, leadership, service, athletics, and involvement across Clover schools.
The graduation ceremony begins at 7 p.m. tonight at Winthrop Coliseum.
Information and quotations for this article were provided by the Clover School District.
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