Finalists for 2026 Cotillion for Achievement to be announced Sunday

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Sixteen of the top academic achievers in the area will be recognized this weekend as finalists for prestigious local scholarships.

The Cotillion for Achievement, now in its 39th year, is set to announce the finalists for the 2026 Cotillion class during a private event on Sunday at the Joyce Raye Patterson Senior Center.

This year, 16 finalists will be represented from nine of the eligible high schools in Andrew and Buchanan County, with each earning $1,000 scholarships, including $2,000 scholarships to the top male and female.

A panel of five community leaders served as judges to review and score the applications to determine the top finalists, eight women and eight men. Applications were scored on scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement and a written essay.

The finalists will participate in three Adventure in Achievement seminars during the month of January, offering leadership skills, self-image, communication skills, and community engagement.

They will also sit for an interview with the judges to vie for the top male and top female award of a $2,000 scholarship each, which will be awarded at the annual ball scheduled for Feb. 21, 2026.