Carl Albert senior named to Academic All-State class

By Jeff Harrison
Midwest City Beacon

Carl Albert High School senior Lily Bryant has been selected as one of 100 Oklahoma public school students honored in the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence’s 2026 Academic All-State class, one of the state’s most prestigious academic recognitions.

The class will be recognized at OFE’s Academic Awards Celebration on May 2 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Each honoree receives a $1,500 award, an honor cord and a medallion.

“This is our 40th Academic All-State class, and every year we are amazed by our honorees’ academic accomplishments and deep involvement in their school communities,” said OFE Executive Director Elizabeth Inbody. “By celebrating them alongside their teachers, we send a powerful message about the importance of public education and great educators.”

Bryant learned of the honor last month when a care package arrived at her door.

“I wasn’t that confident I’d make it,” she said. “I was just glad the application was over.”

The recognition came at her mother’s encouragement. Bryant qualified through her ACT score, one of three eligibility pathways for the program.

“My mom encouraged me to apply,” Bryant said. “I hadn’t heard of it before, but she saw my ACT score and sent me the information.”

To be eligible, students must score at least 30 on the ACT, earn a combined 1370 or higher on the SAT, or be named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. A selection committee then evaluates candidates through a rigorous process that weighs academic achievement, leadership, community service, letters of recommendation and an essay.

Her essay focused on Student Council sponsor Grace Dozier, who has mentored Bryant since sixth grade and through her years in high school student government. At the May 2 banquet, Bryant will be recognized alongside Dozier, a tradition that reflects OFE’s commitment to honoring the educators behind each honoree’s success.

“Getting to honor her in front of everyone means a lot,” Bryant said.

Beyond academics, Bryant is student body president, FCA president, a four-year varsity tennis player and a teen board member for two community organizations. She ranks second in her graduating class, is among the top three graduation speakers and was recognized at Carl Albert’s 4.0 ceremony in March. Carl Albert has not had an Academic All-State honoree in several years.

Bryant plans to study nursing at Oklahoma Baptist University.

“I’ve always wanted to go into healthcare,” she said. “Being close to home was a factor too.”

The 2026 Academic All-State class averaged a 33 on the ACT, with nine honorees scoring a perfect 36. The class carries a weighted GPA of 4.36, and 38 members are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. This year’s honorees represent 63 public schools across 58 districts statewide.

Since the program launched in 1987, OFE has honored 4,001 All-Staters from 345 school districts. OFE is a statewide, nonpartisan nonprofit that elevates public education through honors, grants to K-12 mentoring programs, support for public school foundations and professional development partnerships for educators.