ETR Staff Report
Longview, TX – Longview ISD is proud to announce the top two graduates of Longview High School’s Class of 2026: Mason Hodges, Valedictorian, and Mary Claire Hilton, Salutatorian.
These two students have distinguished themselves through exceptional academic achievement, leadership, service, and dedication throughout their high school careers. Their accomplishments reflect both personal excellence and the strength of the opportunities available at Longview High School
“Mason and Mary Claire represent the very best of Longview High School,” said Longview High School principal Shameika Allen. “They have led with integrity, served with purpose, and set a high standard for their classmates. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the future.”
About Valedictorian Mason Hodges
Mason Hodges will attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he has been accepted into the prestigious Canfield Business Honors Program within the McCombs School of Business. He plans to major in finance with long-term goals in investment banking and private equity.
A student in Longview High School’s International Baccalaureate Program, Hodges challenged himself through rigorous coursework while also seeking opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. Through an internship at a local financial services firm, he assisted in constructing diversified
portfolios, analyzing large-cap growth and value equities, and evaluating fixed income strategies based on client risk profiles and long-term financial objectives.
Leadership and service have been central to Hodges’ high school experience. He served as president of the inaugural Longview chapter of the Young Men’s Service League, helping coordinate service efforts
supporting more than 15 local philanthropies. He also served as volunteer coordinator for AMBUCS, helping provide mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities through wheelchair ramp builds and Amtryke distributions.
Hodges also worked to create more inclusive spaces on campus. As co-founder and vice president of Bonds Without Bounds, he helped connect IB students with neurodivergent peers through inclusive
activities and events. He is also especially proud of founding and serving as president of Active Minds at LHS, a national affiliate chapter created to promote awareness, inclusivity, and open dialogue surrounding teen mental health.
His commitment to service has extended beyond Longview through mission trips to Zambia and Ecuador with Mobberly Baptist Church, where he helped lead Vacation Bible School, shared his faith, and helped build church pews for local congregations.
Hodges has been recognized for his leadership and involvement through honors, including selection to American Legion Texas Boys State, Texas Bank and Trust Student Board of Directors, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, in addition to being named a Rotary Student of the Month.
Outside of school, he enjoys fishing, hunting, running, reading, and spending time with family and friends. He credits his parents’ emphasis on discipline, accountability, and consistency for helping shape his
approach to life and learning.
About Salutatorian Mary Claire Hilton
Mary Claire Hilton is a 12-year Longview ISD student who began her academic journey at Hudson PEP
Elementary and continued through Foster Middle School before excelling at Longview High School in the
International Baccalaureate Program. She will graduate as salutatorian of a class of 525 students.
During high school, Hilton was a four-year member of Lobo Cheerleading, serving as Varsity Head Captain, Chaplain, and JV Captain. She was also a four-year member of Cross Country and a three-year
member of Track and Field. Her school involvement included National Honor Society, AMBUCS,
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bonds Without Bounds, Pearl House Partners, and Run Club.
Outside the classroom, Hilton has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and service. She is active in the Mobberly Baptist Church Youth Group and has participated in international mission trips to Zambia, Ecuador, and Kenya. She has also served in a Longview Regional Medical Center marketing internship, the Texas Bank & Trust Student Board of Directors, the TCU High School Investor Challenge, the Terpsichorean Student Board, Pine Cove Summer Camp, and has completed more than 150 hours of community service.
Among her many honors are National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, Texas High School Coaches Association Academic All-State First Team, National Cheerleading Association Individual Leadership Award, Longview ISD Lamplighter Essay Contest winner, and East Texas Best Preps Cheerleading nominee.
Hilton says the accomplishment she is most proud of is co-founding College Crates Essentials, Inc., a nonprofit that raises funds to provide dorm-room essentials and technology to college-bound seniors who might otherwise be unable to afford them. The organization has raised more than $22,000 and has served 45 graduating seniors.
A fourth-generation Longhorn, Hilton will attend The University of Texas at Austin, where she plans to study in the McCombs School of Business.
Upcoming Graduation Information
Longview High School graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. Stadium gates will open at 6 p.m., and seniors must report to the coliseum by 5:30 p.m. Due to ongoing construction, on-campus parking will be limited, and families are strongly encouraged to use shuttle parking as their first option.
Public parking will be available in the visitor lot at Lobo Stadium. Shuttle parking will also be available at Calvary Tabernacle, the former Burlington Coat Factory location, and J.L. Everhart Magnet Elementary. Shuttle service will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue through arrival, with return service running for up to 45 minutes after graduation ends.
To manage traffic safely, Longview ISD will use a spot-counting system for lots accessed through the Guard Shack. Once those lots reach capacity, the entrance will close, and guests will be redirected to shuttle parking. Families are encouraged to arrive early and follow posted signage and staff directions. Graduation will be streamed live on the Longview ISD YouTube channel and Facebook page from the opening procession through the final cap toss.
In the weeks leading up to graduation, seniors will also take part in several milestone events, including Senior Walk on Monday, April 27, Longview Lobo Decision Day on Friday, May 1, and graduation rehearsals ahead of commencement.
Visit the senior events page for all the information for the end of the year events impacting this year’s seniors.
For more information, contact media@lisd.org.
