.png?mask=1)
%20sized.png){kind=logo}
Decatur Central High School is proud to announce the top academic achievers for the Class of 2026. Congratulations to Co-Valedictorians Madeleine Colbert and Jocelyn Vandeventer! Congratulations to Salutatorian Gavyn Mould!
Madeleine Colbert, Co-Valedictorian
Madeleine Colbert is the daughter of Michele and James Colbert. She holds a 4.6 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, holding the office of Historian. At Decatur Central, she participated in Marching Band, Indoor Percussion, Wind Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, and Pep Band. Madeleine also participated in FFA through Area 31. She attended West Newton Elementary and Decatur Middle School. Madeleine shared, “My favorite memories in high school are going on band trips with my friends to Dayton, Louisville, New York, and Philadelphia.”
Madeleine is a Borlaug Scholar with the World Food Prize Foundation, and also received the Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Distinction from the College Board. She has also been awarded multiple "Outstanding Contribution” Awards for marching band. Madeleine’s future plans include studying Ecology and Landscape Design at Purdue University for a career in Native Plant Conservation.
Madeleine wants to thank her parents and teachers, Ms. Knoop, and Ms. Abney. She stated, “I am Decatur Proud of the sense of excellence and community in our fine arts program.”
Jocelyn Vandeventer, Co-Valedictorian
Jocelyn Vandeventer is the daughter of Estella Vandeventer and Dustin Vandeventer. She holds a GPA of 4.6 and is a member of the National Honor Society. At Decatur Central, Jocelyn participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Cheerleading for both the football and basketball teams. She attended Valley Mills Elementary and Decatur Middle School. Jocelyn shared, “My favorite high school memory is being able to cheer in Lucas oil and win state for football.”
Jocelyn was awarded the Advanced Placement Scholar Distinction from the College Board. She also received the Triple A Award for Cheer, highlighting her outstanding performance and contributions in academics, athletics, and attitude. Jocelyn’s future plans include studying Secondary Mathematics Education at Indiana State University to become a high school math teacher.
Jocelyn shared, “I want to thank my parents and my brothers and Mr. Berg and Mr. Owens for their support and dedication to my future.” She is Decatur Proud, “because of the incredible support staff I’ve had from preschool to where I am now. I have had many wonderful teachers and counselors who are always pushing me to be better and achieve my goals.”
Gavyn Mould, Salutatorian
Gavyn Mould is the son of Erin and Brent Mould. He holds a GPA of 4.5 and is a member of the National Honor Society, holding the office of Treasurer. At Decatur Central, Gavyn’s activities included Tennis, Theatre, and Show Choir. He attended West Newton Elementary and Decatur Middle School. Gavyn shared that his best high school experience was being a part of “Sister Act- the Musical” through the theatre department.
Gavyn serves as the President of the International Thespian Society (ITS) and was awarded the Advanced Placement Scholar of Distinction from the College Board. He was proud to be a member of the 2026 state-qualifying “Goldenaires” show choir. Gavyn’s future plans include studying musical theatre and pursuing a career on Broadway.
Gavin shared, “I want to thank my parents and family for always supporting and being there for me.” Gavyn also noted, “I am Decatur proud because of how much effort and dedication the performing arts, club, and sports teachers and coaches put into their activities. Without these people our school would not be as successful as it is.”