Category: District News
2026 Board of Education vacancies and election
Three seats on the Fort Plain Board of Education will be up for election this May to fill vacancies for terms expiring on June 30, 2026. The three-year terms will run from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.
Regular elections for Board of Education seats are held each year on the third Tuesday in May, the same date residents vote on the school budget. This year’s vote date is Tuesday, May 19.
Petitions to run for the board must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026.
For information on how to be placed on the ballot, contact Becky Smith, District Clerk, at becky.smith@fortplain.org or (518) 993-4000, ext. 1000.
Any U.S. citizen who is a resident of Fort Plain Central School District for 30 days prior to the vote may run for a seat on the Board.
Serving as a School Board Member
What does a Board of Education/school board member do? Why volunteer to serve on the Board? Here’s some helpful information from the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA).
Responsibilities of a Board Member
With school children always their ultimate focus, school board members act officially at the board table, working with other board members to serve students and accomplish the following:
- Create a shared vision for the future of education.
- Set the direction of the school district to achieve the highest student performance.
- Provide rigorous accountability for student achievement results.
- Develop a budget and present it to the community, aligning district resources to improve achievement.
- Support a healthy school district culture for work and learning.
- Create strategic partnerships with the community stakeholders.
- Build the district’s progress through continuous improvement.
- Adopt and maintain current policies.
- Hire and evaluate the superintendent.
- Ratify collective bargaining agreements.
- Maintain strong ethical standards.
Characteristics of a Board Member
Below are attributes that all effective board members should possess:
- Effective Communicator: Can describe what they want and describe what others want; a good listener.
- Consensus Builder: Capable of working toward decisions that all can support and willing to compromise to achieve goals.
- Community Participant: Enjoys meeting a variety of people, can identify the community’s key communicators and reaches out to the community.
- Decision Maker: Is comfortable making decisions and can support group decision-making.
- Information Processor: Can organize priorities and schedules to handle large amounts of verbal and written information.
- Leader: Willing to take risks, be supportive of board colleagues, district staff and community.
- Team Player: Helps promote the board’s vision and goals.
Staff Spotlight: Meet Kolbe Gray – Jr./Sr. High School Teacher
Join us in shining a spotlight on Jr./Sr. High School Social Studies Teacher Kolbe Gray.
“Kolbe Gray’s commitment to Fort Plain and our students is clearly visible any time you walk past her classroom,” said Fort Plain Jr./Sr. High School Principal Katrina Canallatos. “Whether she is leading engaging instruction or welcoming students before school, during lunch, after school and throughout the day, her room is consistently filled with energy, conversation and connection. It reflects the trust she builds, the care she shows, and the sense of belonging she creates for our students.”
“Kolbe is known for the relationships she builds, and relationships are the foundation of learning,” added Interim Superintendent Karen Geelan. “When students feel seen, heard and valued, they thrive — academically and personally. The connections our staff build each day truly make the difference in Fort Plain.”
Making history come alive for students—and making sure their school days are filled with enrichment and excitement—is what inspires Kolbe Gray and her approach to teaching.
While she always knew she wanted to be a teacher, what and where to teach became crystal clear after student teaching as a SUNY Oneonta undergraduate in the classrooms of veteran Fort Plain educators Will Ryan and Katie Sacco.
“They both have a way of making history come alive for their students and I knew that was something I wanted to do for students, too,” said Gray. “I’m a big proponent of project-based learning that helps the students make connections between what happened in the past and their own lives. It’s great when the kids are enjoying the topic and really immersed in history. When this happens, it’s when I love history most.”
Now in her eighteenth year of teaching, Kolbe Gray has spent her entire career with the Fort Plain district.
Along with leading both junior and senior high school social studies and college-in-the-high school coursework, Gray serves as the junior class advisor, advisor for the school’s Junior and Senior National Honor Societies and graduation coordinator.
“I’ve had so many conversations about what they hope to do beyond these four walls,” said Gray. “It’s heartwarming when they ask for advice on their careers and college plans, and even more so when recent graduates return to observe my classroom as they begin their own journeys into teaching. This is truly a full circle moment.”
Gray says a true benefit of living and teaching in Fort Plain is the ability to really get to know the students and impact their growth and learning in meaningful ways.
“The Fort Plain community and our students mean so much to me. I wouldn’t want to be—or to teach—anywhere else,” said Gray.
Video released: Why a merger of the Fort Plain and Canajoharie districts is being discussed
An informational video has been created to help community members easily understand the proposed merger between the Fort Plain and Canajoharie school districts.
The video walks viewers through the merger informational one-sheet that was shared with the community earlier this year.
The one-sheet and accompanying video outline the benefits, opportunities, district configuration, projected building usage and enrollment details.
By offering a clearer picture of the merger’s goals, the school districts aim to reduce uncertainty and encourage open communication with residents.
Community members are encouraged to watch this short video—it takes only a few minutes and provides a valuable overview for anyone who wants to stay informed.
The merger video and informational sheet can be viewed on the merger resources website and on our Facebook account.
Watch the video
Watch a video on why a merger of the Fort Plain and Canajoharie districts is being discussed.
Harry Hoag second quarter honor roll and principal’s list
Harry Hoag Elementary School is proud to announce the 2025-26 second quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 5
- Emalynn Alkinburgh
- Elliot Coveny
- Aleena Crouse
- Dawson Dean
- Julianna Delgado
- Mieke Hallstein
- Jayce Humphrey
- Avery Masters
- Isaiah Mykel
- Terrence Nemecek, Jr.
- Liam Ohlidal
- Izabella Pettengill
- Jace Savoie
- Avaj Schuyler
- Logan Staples
- River Whitehurst
Grade 6
- Payton Bennett
- Zane Bradt
- Abel Clink
- Jaydan Crouse
- Sofia Dawson
- Gulenar Derhm
- Blaine Dodson
- Isaac Evans
- Kailee Gordon
- Noah Randall
- Abigail Ryder
- Renesmee Tompkins
- Carma Weaver-Porter
- Chase Woodcock
- Kayleigh Woodcock
Principal’s List
Grade 5
-
Amber Bowley
-
Kamilla Brazee
-
Kassidy Brazee
-
Emari Brown
-
Brady Brownell
-
Brianna Compton
-
Jackson Curtis
-
Louis Fanelli III
-
Leigha Hardnett
-
Raelynn Hazzard
-
Samuel Hisert
-
Carter Hubal
-
Raylynn Jones
-
Sadie Jones
-
Arianna Lewis
-
Tessa McFee
-
Riley O’Connor
-
Penelope Prevost
-
Janasia Raphael
-
Ares Rockwell
-
Madeline Valovic
-
Trent Webb
Grade 6
-
Cecilia Baker
-
Shani Brackett
-
Ellyana Brown
- Ty Brownell
- Noah Clark
- Aubrey Clayburn
- Nicholas Compton
- Raelynn D’Arcangelis
- Ryelee David
- Bryson Dodson
- Dalton Fournier
- Harper Fowler
- Aiden Hardnett
- Corbin Hazzard
- Harlan Heroth
- Jovalee Hisert
- Maria Hisert
- Maison Houston
- Gulzreen Khalid
- Abel Kretser
-
Audrey Krug
-
Lailah Lewis
-
Livia McDuffee
-
Joshua Murphy
-
Zannah Poultney
-
Tanner Putnam
-
Grant Reese
-
Tabitha Romanello
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Kobe Skiffington
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Gracie Smith
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Easton Taylor
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Samuel Thomas
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Garett Trumbull
-
Troy Zabawczuk
Jr./Sr. High School second quarter honor roll, principal’s list
Our Jr./Sr. High School is proud to announce the 2025-26 second quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List.
The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 12
- Nathen Battisti
- Isaac Clark
- Michael Dinehart Jr.
- Jordynn Gomez
- Natashia Hammond
- Koby Herron
- Kimberly Kirby
- Makena Nurnberger
- Joseph Smith
Grade 11
- Jayson Austin
- Trinity Belliveau
- Faith Clark
- Kassidee Dodson
- Keagan Dodson
- Isabella Fountain
- Ariana Nemeth
- Trent Reynolds
- Larry Sanders III
- Kendra Schaffer
- Josh Schmidt
- Jordan Thackrah
Grade 10
- Nalisha Cadet
- Violet Handy
- Paige Lochner
- Sean McGuire
- Sawyer Raymond
Grade 9
- Alyvia Castellano
- Lexis Downes
- Alexandra Hinkle
- Madden Lathers
- Connor Lochner
- Jack Parkinson
- Anthony Polidori
- Trent Richards
- Gregory Simons
- Anna-Belle Snyder
- Gavin Souza
- Kinley Trumbull
Grade 8
- Sophia Bush
- Yadiel DeLeon
- Bently Dodson
- Amarha Herring
- Jacob LaQuee
- MaeLyn Meddaugh
- Aishwarya Murray
- Ethan Shostek
Grade 7
- Kyle Christman
- Rystara Handy
- Quinn Hisert
- Christian Jones
- Demora Lawson
- Andres Medina
- Harley Ostrander
- Danyel Rankin
- Isabella Shibley
- Kayden Trumbull
- Kiernan Welch
- Colton Whit
Principal’s List
Grade 12
- Alexis Buley
- Ian Burns
- Josephia Carcasole
- Owen Castellano
- Madison Clayburn
- Breyanna Gilot
- Isis Hammond
- McKenna Karker
- Alexander Lamphere
- Macey LeRoy
- Constance Narzymski
- Taylor Potter
- Bradley Rumrill
- Morgan Stock
- Dawson Tracki
Grade 11
- Genavive Bathrick
- Jordyn Best
- Gamliel Brackett
- Kala Clapper
- Mason Gray
- Jansheen Haider
- Lyllie Hand
- Hailey Hayes
- Levi Hext
- Brooke Jones
- Landon Kretser
- Lilly Lapi
- Madison Lewis
- Gavin Massie
- Elle Nare
- Faith Narzymski
- Layla Negron
- Jonathan Palmeri
- Morgan Prime
- Kendra Sackett
- Silas Smith
- Brady Spaulding
- Landon VanGorder
- Cheyanne Wall
Grade 10
- Joseph Barr
- Eliyahna Brackett
- Dio Callan
- Brianne Gallt
- Jordan Gallt
- Elijah Houle
- Blake Lapi
- AshLyn Lewis
- George Mang
- Jasmine Rumrill
- Charlotte Sherwood
- Gabreilla Steinhauer
- Daija Suits
- Dorian Tracki
- Zachary Walsh,
- Evan Weaver
Grade 9
- Laura Atkins
- Halleli Brackett
- McKenna Hisert
- Jazmain Leonard
- Lainie McDuffee
- Isabella McGuire
- Mary Pomatto
- Braddock Putnam
- Molly Shults
- Jaymes Smith
Grade 8
- Fiona Brown
- Owen Charboneau
- Aubree Childs
- Milo Clark
- Christopher Compton Jr.
- Sienna Dean
- Laura Flynn
- Jake Fountain
- Raelynn Fournier
- Laylah Hardnett
- Isabella Hearn
- McKenzie Jones
- Timothy Keane
- Piper Kretser
- Claudia Maring
- Mara Poultney
- Dante Santiago
- Gavin Smith
- Noah Smith
- Booker Tarica
- Adalay Webb
Grade 7
- Isabelle Allen
- Aiden Bunker
- KataLenah Clapper
- Lleyton Emrick
- Nauni Fink
- Audrina Gomez
- Lilly Mang
- IvyKate McGuire
- Elaena Minarich
- Oliver Parkinson
- Willow Richards
- Isley Ruszkowski
- Beverly Sherwood
- Addison Weaver
Merger Process Update: January 2026
Dear Families and Community Members,
As we begin the new year, the Canajoharie and Fort Plain Central School Districts want to keep you informed about the school merger process. We believe in being open and clear so every resident can make an informed decision this summer.
Focus Teams: Community Members at Work
Focus Teams met on Jan. 7, 2026 to begin in-depth discussions about a possible merger or additional shared services between Fort Plain and Canajoharie Schools.
If you would like to join a Focus Team, you are welcome to attend an upcoming meeting:
- Operational Planning Facilities, transportation, and finances
January 29 – 5:00 PM Canajoharie High School Conference Room - Educational Programming Student opportunities and curriculum
February 24 – 6:00 PM Canajoharie Middle School - Cultural Integration Honoring both district communities
February 4 – 5:30 PM Canajoharie High School - Staff-Centered Transition Supporting our staff through a merger
March 2 – 3:15 PM East Hill Elementary - Student-Centered Transition Supporting our students through a merger
March 11 – 3:30 PM Canajoharie High School
Currently, about 35 community members are serving on these teams. They will continue meeting over the next few months to gather information and shape recommendations for the future of our schools.
Important Financial Update
New York State has shared updated financial information about a possible merger.
- Original estimate: $56 million over 14 years.
- Updated estimate: $83.9 million over 14 years.
This informational one-sheet sheet summarizes how these funds could be used to improve student programs, support staff, and provide long-term financial stability for taxpayers. It also includes frequently asked questions with answers. These were the most often raised questions about the merger in the past year in our communities.
Upcoming Dates to Know
Please mark your calendars:
- Joint Board of Education Meeting – April 29, 2026 Canajoharie High School
(Focus Team recommendations and financial outlook) - Straw Vote (Advisory) – June 4, 2026.
Stay Connected
We will continue to share monthly updates. Please also check both district websites weekly for new information.
If you have questions or concerns, you may contact either district office at any time. Thank you or staying engaged in this important decision for our students and our communities.
Sincerely,
Canajoharie and Fort Plain Central School Districts
Winter weather and school closings and delays
Learn how Fort Plain CSD makes decisions regarding weather-related closings and delays.
As wintry weather returns to the region, we would like to remind families, staff and community members how they will receive notice if school will be delayed or closed due to inclement weather.
Notifications will be sent through ParentSquare if there are any changes to the daily school schedule. Information will also be posted on the district website and shared with most local media outlets.
All notices will be posted as soon as practicable, and every effort will be made to announce closings before 6 a.m. At times, the district may announce a delay while we continue to assess road conditions. If that occurs, the message will indicate when a final decision will be made.
We carefully consider many factors before making a decision to delay or close school due to weather, but the safety of our students and staff is our first priority when determining how to respond to winter weather. The Director of Facilities, Transportation Supervisor and the Superintendent coordinate with local road service teams and law enforcement, and consider the travel conditions across the district to decide if we can safely transport students and open our schools.
A few weather-related reminders:
- Our school buildings open for early arrival at 7:30 AM.
- We will not have any outdoor recess on days when the temperature is extremely low.
- Please make sure that students wear coats, hats, gloves, scarves and any other necessary layers to stay warm while waiting for the bus or walking to and from school.
- If you need assistance with winter gear for your child, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher or a school counselor. We have Care Closets in both buildings that can help to provide winter essentials as needed.
Merger Process Update: Next Steps and Focus Teams
The process of exploring a potential merger between the Canajoharie and Fort Plain school districts continues to move forward, guided by the CFP Development Panel. This panel has been meeting regularly to discuss key ideas, timelines and next steps as the steering group for this important process.
Focus Teams: shaping the future of the combined district
Important questions about what a merger would mean for our students and community have been raised throughout the recent merger process. As a way of digging into these, we plan to convene a set of focus teams that will include both district representatives, subject area experts and you, the members of our community. By coming together for this work, we believe we can best imagine our future and prepare to meet the interests and needs of our students–independently or as a merged district if that is what our communities choose. These groups will gather detailed information on key topics and prepare recommendations that will position us well to move forward if a merger is approved.
The Focus Teams will address the following areas:
- Cultural Integration: Traditions, celebrations, activities, athletics and mascots.
- Educational Programming: Academic offerings, curriculum, plans for schools and school configuration.
- Operational Planning: Transportation, facility usage and school day schedule.
- Student-Centered Transition: Orientation, mentoring and programs to support students.
- Staff-Centered Transition: Professional development, orientation and staff supports.
Dependent on the outcome of the vote next summer on a potential merger, we will also offer opportunities to be a part of additional focus groups, such as:
- Financial Planning: Long-term financial projections, taxes and current trends/budgets.
- Policy Alignment: Codes of conduct, curriculum requirements, contracts and district policies.
Join a Focus Team
Your voice and expertise are vital to this process. We are inviting all interested community members and school stakeholders to apply to be a part of a Focus Team. This is an opportunity to contribute directly with the planning for our students’ educational experience and success of a merged district, if this is the path the communities choose.
If you are interested in applying, please fill out the Google form available here. The first Focus Team meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
Mark your calendar: Straw Poll and Binding Vote
Straw Vote (Advisory Referendum): Thursday, June 4, 2026 This non-binding vote will assess the community’s support for the merger proposal before proceeding to the final vote.
We encourage all stakeholders to stay informed and participate in this important process and visit our website for information. We will also be sending monthly updates during that time.
Harry Hoag first quarter honor roll and principal’s list
Harry Hoag Elementary School is proud to announce the 2025-26 first quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List. The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 5
- Skylah Becker
- Ava Brownell
- Jayleigh Brownell
- Elliot Coveny
- Julianna Delgado
- Kaileb DiLorenzo
- Jackson Dolly
- Jacoby Henderson
- Jayce Humphrey
- Adisyn Jones
- Keegan Jones
- Isaiah Mykel
- Liam Ohlidal
- Avaj Schuyler
- Molly Williams
Grade 6
-
Payton Bennett
-
Khloe Cionek
-
Abel Clink
-
Jaydan Crouse
-
Sofia Dawson
-
Isaac Evans
-
Kailee Gordon
-
Maison Houston
-
Noah Randall
-
Cassidee Reese
-
Abigail Ryder
-
Joseph Walter
-
Carma Weaver-Porter
-
Kayleigh Woodcock
Principal’s List
Grade 5
-
Emalynn Alkinburgh
-
Amber Bowley
-
Kamilla Brazee
-
Kassidy Brazee
-
Emari Brown
-
Brady Brownell
-
Brianna Compton
-
Aleena Crouse
-
Jackson Curtis
-
Dawson Dean
-
Louis Fanelli III
-
Mieke Hallstein
-
Leigha Hardnett
-
Raelynn Hazzard
-
Samuel Hisert
-
Carter Hubal
-
Raylynn Jones
-
Sadie Jones
-
Arianna Lewis
-
Tessa McFee
-
Terrence Nemecek Jr.
-
Riley O’Connor
-
Penelope Prevost
-
Janasia Raphael
-
Ares Rockwell
-
Jace Savoie
-
Logan Staples
-
Madeline Valovic
-
Trent Webb
Grade 6
- Cecilia Baker
- Shani Brackett
- Zane Bradt
- Ellyana Brown
- Ty Brownell
- Noah Clark
- Aubrey Clayburn
- Nicholas Compton
- Raelynn D’Arcangelis
- Ryelee David
- Blaine Dodson
- Bryson Dodson
- Dalton Fournier
- Harper Fowler
- Aiden Hardnett
- Corbin Hazzard
- Harlan Heroth
- Jovalee Hisert
- Maria Hisert
- Gulzreen Khalid
- Abel Kretser
- Audrey Krug
- Lailah Lewis
- Livia McDuffee
- Joshua Murphy
- Zannah Poultney
- Tanner Putnam
- Grant Reese
- Tabitha Romanello
- Kobe Skiffington
- Gracie Smith
- Samuel Thomas
- Renesmee Tompkins
- Garett Trumbull
- Troy Zabawczuk
Jr./Sr. High School first quarter honor roll, principal’s list
Our Jr./Sr. High School is proud to announce the 2025-26 first quarter Honor Roll and Principal’s List. The Honor Roll and Principal’s List recognize outstanding achievement and effort.
Congratulations to the following students:
Honor Roll
Grade 12
- Ezra Brown
- Emma Cook
- Marcus Dunbar-Eller
- John Fountain
- Isis Hammond
- Natashia Hammond
- Jorge Medina
- Sonia Medina
- John Morrison
- Makena Nurnberger
Grade 11
- Jayson Austin
- Kayden Battisti
- Trinity Belliveau
- Alannah-Mari Blowers
- Ariana Nemeth
- Brodie Poultney
- Trent Reynolds
- Aidyn Rooney
- Kendra Schaffer
- Jordan Thackrah
Grade 10
- Blake Battisti
- Dio Callan
- Violet Handy
- Sedona Horning
- Lincoln Kretser
- AshLyn Lewis
- Paige Lochner
- Sean McGuire
- Jasmine Rumrill
Grade 9
- Laura Atkins
- Alyvia Castellano
- Lexis Downes
- Alexandra Hinkle
- Khloe Hisert
- Joshua LaQuee
- Madden Lathers
- Connor Lochner
- Gideon McCarty
- Hailee Moore
- Jack Parkinson
- Isaac Passero
- Gabriella Peters
- Anthony Polidori
- Karson Rhodes
- Trent Richards
- Gregory Simons
- Anna-Belle Snyder
Grade 8
- Brantlee Brownell
- Yadiel DeLeon
- Amarha Herring
- Olivia Jones
- Kayden Rouse
- Ethan Shostek
- Rosabella Smith
- Maicee Thomas
- Ziva Yerdon
Grade 7
- Zachary Alkinburgh
- Kyle Christman
- KataLenah Clapper
- Lleyton Emrick
- Rystara Handy
- Andres Medina
- Isabella Shibley
- Colton White
Principal’s List
Grade 12
- Alexis Buley
- Ian Burns
- Josephia Carcasole
- Owen Castellano
- Madison Clayburn
- Michael Dinehart Jr.
- Breyanna Gilot
- Jordynn Gomez
- Koby Herron
- McKenna Karker
- Kimberly Kirby
- Alexander Lamphere
- Macey LeRoy
- Constance Narzymski
- Taylor Potter
- Bradley Rumrill
- Morgan Stock
- Dawson Tracki
Grade 11
- Genavive Bathrick
- Jordyn Best
- Gamliel Brackett
- Kala Clapper
- Faith Clark
- Tyler Cotton
- Bryellah D’Arcangelis
- Isabella Fountain
- Mason Gray
- Jansheen Haider
- Lyllie Handy
- Hailey Hayes
- Levi Hext
- Brooke Jones
- Landon Kretser
- Lilly Lapi
- Madison Lewis
- Gavin Massie
- Elle Nare
- Faith Narzymski
- Layla Negron
- Jonathan Palmeri
- Morgan Prime
- Kendra Sackett
- Larry Sanders III
- Silas Smith
- Brady Spaulding
- Dameon Trant
- Landon VanGorder
- Cheyanne Wall
Grade 10
- Joseph Barr
- Eliyahna Brackett
- Nalisha Cadet
- Brianne Gallt
- Jordan Gallt
- Elijah Houle
- Blake Lapi
- George Mang
- Charlotte Sherwood
- Gabreilla Steinhauer
- Daija Suits
- Dorian Tracki
- Zachary Walsh
- Evan Weaver
Grade 9
- Halleli Brackett
- McKenna Hisert
- Jazmain Leonard
- Lainie McDuffee
- Isabella McGuire
- Mary Pomatto
- Braddock Putnam
- Molly Shults
- Jaymes Smith
- Gavin Souza
- Kinley Trumbull
Grade 8
- Fiona Brown
- Owen Charboneau
- Aubree Childs
- Milo Clark
- Christopher Compton Jr.
- Sienna Dean
- Bently Dodson
- Laura Flynn
- Jake Fountain
- Raelynn Fournier
- Laylah Hardnett
- Isabella Hearn
- McKenzie Jones
- Timothy Keane
- Piper Kretser
- Jacob LaQuee
- Claudia Maring
- MaeLyn Meddaugh
- Aishwarya Murray
- Mara Poultney
- Dante Santiago
- Gavin Smith
- Noah Smith
- Booker Tarica
- Adalay Webb
Grade 7
- Isabelle Allen
- Aiden Bunker
- Nauni Fink
- Audrina Gomez
- Quinn Hisert
- Demora Lawson
- Lilly Mang
- IvyKate McGuire
- Elaena Minarich
- Oliver Parkinson
- Willow Richards
- Isley Ruszkowski
- Beverly Sherwood
- Addison Weaver