Lyla Denman, daughter of Eric and Jenny Denman of Ellenville, has been named the Principal's Award recipient for Ellenville Jr/Sr High School's Class of 2026.
Lyla graduates with an Advanced Regents Diploma, the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, and an "Exceeds" rating on her College English portfolio through the SUNY New Paltz Writing and Rhetoric Program. Throughout high school, she challenged herself with eight Advanced Placement and college-level courses.
Her involvement in school life spans academics, the arts, and athletics. Lyla is a member of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Spanish Honor Society, and president of the Drama Club. She has sung with Chamber Singers throughout her high school years and served as senior class president.
On the athletic side, Lyla competed on the Varsity Girls Soccer and Softball teams, serving as Softball captain for two years and Soccer captain for one. She earned Player of the Year honors in Softball in 2024 and the Coaches Award in Soccer in 2026.
Beyond school, Lyla has volunteered as a referee for the AYSO League for five years and spent three years as a mentor and assistant to the directors of the Junior High Drama Club productions.
Principal Carl Pabón spoke to what sets Lyla apart as a student and leader. "Lyla Denman embodies the spirit of the Principal's Award through her resilience, integrity, and growth," he said. "She reminds us all to pursue what we truly value and to measure success not by perfection, but by growth."
This fall, Lyla will attend SUNY Geneseo, where she plans to study Political Science and pursue a career in law and politics.