Meet the Valedictorians of Utica University’s Class of 2026

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Meet the Valedictorians of Utica University’s Class of 2026

Makayla Arnold (l) and Tess Barrett (r)

They share the highest academic honor in the graduating class, with each having earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

Makayla Arnold and Tess Barrett are the co-valedictorians of Utica University’s Class of 2026. They share the highest academic honor in the graduating class, with each having earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

A native of Marcy, NY and a graduate of Whitesboro High School, Arnold is a health studies major and psychology minor who will now be entering Utica’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She was a four-year member of the field hockey team, earning Empire 8 President’s List honors each year. Upon completing her doctorate, she is hoping to work in pediatric physical therapy. This summer, she will begin a clinical placement with Winberg Physical Therapy in New Hartford, NY.

Barrett is a biology major with a pre-med focus. She is a native of Tewksbury, MA and a graduate of St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA. She was a member of the Asa Gray Biological Society and Pre-Health Club, and was also captain of the women’s hockey team. She played in 109 games over her four seasons on the hockey team, earning ACHA Academic All-American, UCHC All-Academic Team, and Empire 8 President’s List selections. She is currently a medical assistant at CNY Brain and Spine Neurosurgery, where she assists with the intake of patients.

What does the honor mean to you?

Makayla: “I think I was surprised at how much it really meant to me when I found out. You put in the work, you do everything that you know you’re supposed to do, and then when you get recognized for it I was shocked at how much it really set in. It hit home for me. I think that’s what was most surprising.

“It makes it feel like I’m on the right track. As I go into more of the professional part of my education it really validates that I’m doing all the right things, not only in the classroom, but out in the field working with patients as well.”

Tess: “I’m just so grateful. It’s a really big honor. I’m very proud of myself. We do so much here – between academics, athletics, and just everything – so it’s very rewarding to know that with the effort I put in in all aspects of my time here, no one thing came at the cost of another. I could balance academics with athletics, be involved on campus, and still accomplish everything I wanted to accomplish. Med school is obviously very rigorous, and so knowing I was able to accomplish so much here tells me that I will be able to keep pursuing academics at such a high level.”

For both of you, it sounds as though the personal validation is more meaningful to you than the public recognition.

Tess: “It's definitely more of a personal thing. I’ve never been one where if I accomplish something, I want others to know about it. It’s nice to have the public recognition, but honestly I think it’s nicer to know myself.”

Makayla: “I agree. It’s more of an internal thing for me because I know what has gone into this since my first-year and the challenges I’ve been through. Of course, it’ll be nice when I hear from family, friends, former teachers, and other people I know, but it won’t compare to what I felt in the moment when I was being told and I realized that it all came together. That means a lot more to me.”

What’s next for you after graduation?

Makayla: “The physical therapy program is a 3+3 program, so right now I’m technically already into my graduate classes. Those will continue for the next two years. I’ll stary my first clinical later this summer. I’ll get my doctorate in 2028, and as far as what the future holds after that, I want to specialize in pediatrics. I’ve always loved working with kids.”

Tess: “I’m going to return home this summer to spend time with my family and coach youth hockey. In the fall, I’m coming back to Utica to continue working at CNY Brain and Spine. I will be studying for the MCAT, and applying to medical schools next spring for entry in 2028. I’m most interested in D.O. schools because I’m interested in more of a holistic approach looking at the full body. I’ll probably also apply to some M.D. schools to broaden my reach. I’m most interested in pediatrics.”

What will you miss most about Utica, or Makayla, since you’re going to be staying here a little while longer, what has stood out most during your time here?

Makayla: “I think just the whole environment. The professors are so accommodating and care so much about the students, and it makes everything feel like home here.”

Tess: “Everything – the academics, athletics, and the opportunities I’ve had to build connections not just within the campus community, but beyond. I was a volunteer instructor with the Utica Jr. Comets girls youth hockey program, and I loved working with those younger girls, helping them learn and develop a love for hockey, and helping to grow their program. Between those connections and the connections I’ve made on campus with my professors, teammates, and classmates, I just think having such a supportive team of people around you makes all the difference. And I think the community here really fosters those kinds of connections.”