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CAK announces top of 2026 class

March 18, 2026 by Staff Reports

Christian Academy of Knoxville recently announced the Class of 2026 valedictorians, Michael Bonanno and Cole Piers, and salutatorian, Brooke Atkins.

Valedictorian

Michael Bonanno

“Bonanno has distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement, dedicated leadership and Christ-centered service throughout his high school career,” stated Christa Margene, CAK director of marketing and communications in a press release.

A National Merit Scholarship finalist, Bonanno has “maintained an almost-perfect overall average of greater than 99 percent throughout his high school tenure,” Margene stated. “He is an [Advanced Placement] Scholar with Distinction, a recipient of the College Board National Recognition Program Academic Achievement Award and has earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

“During his time at CAK, Michael has received more than 20 Academic Achievement awards across a rigorous course load that includes advanced placement and honors coursework in every core subject,” she stated. “In addition, he has been awarded CAK’s Excellence in Character award for three consecutive years.”

Beyond the classroom, Bonanno serves as president of the National English Honor Society and captain of the Scholars Bowl team. He also is a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Society and has served as a Student Government senator and a member of the CAK Chapel Leadership Team.

“Further, Michael will portray Caleb in this year’s spring musical production of ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,’” Margene stated.

“An accomplished musician, Michael is a concert pianist who has earned superior ratings each year from the National Federation of Junior Festivals in the most advanced categories,” she stated.

Valedictorian Cole Piers

“Cole Piers has excelled academically while demonstrating strong leadership, on and off the court, throughout his time at Christian Academy of Knoxville,” Margene stated. “Cole will graduate with an impressive 4.55 [grade-point average] and completed every Advanced Placement course offered at CAK during his high school career.”

He is an AP Scholar with Distinction, a recipient of the College Board National Recognition Program School Recognition Award and has earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy.

“In addition to his academic achievements, Cole was recognized with the Care 365 Character in Sports Award and was named the 2024–2025 Most Improved Player for CAK basketball,” Margene stated. “As a junior, he was part of the Region Championship team that finished with a 30–4 record.

“During his senior year, Cole served as varsity basketball captain,” she stated. “He played basketball all four years of high school, competing at both the varsity and junior varsity levels and also invested in younger athletes by serving as a JV basketball assistant coach during his senior year and coaching a recreational basketball team throughout high school.

“Cole’s leadership extended beyond athletics,” Margene stated. “He has been a member of the National Honor Society since his sophomore year and served as a teen advisor during his senior year.

“For his Capstone Project, Cole organized a 3v3 basketball tournament with proceeds donated to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, combining his passion for basketball with meaningful community impact,” she stated.

Salutatorian Brooke Atkins

“Brooke Atkins has demonstrated exemplary leadership, academic excellence and a deep commitment to serving others throughout her four years at Christian Academy of Knoxville,” Margene stated. “An AP Scholar with Distinction, Brooke is also a two-time recipient of the ACIS Distinguished Leadership Award and the ALA Girls State Samsung Auxiliary Award.

“A dedicated student leader, Brooke has served on the Student Senate all four years and currently holds the role of president after serving as vice president her junior year,” the director stated. “She is a member of both the National English Honor Society and the National Honor Society.

“Brooke has also made her mark in athletics, competing on the varsity volleyball team all four years as captain and team MVP and playing varsity tennis for three years, advancing to the state tournament her sophomore year,” Margene stated.

Additionally, “her heart for service is evident in her extensive volunteer work. For three years,” Margene stated of Atkins. “Brooke has volunteered at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, serving both in the hospital and at an off-site adventure camp for HEMONC patients.”

Atkins currently serves as chair of the hospital’s VolunTeen Leadership Council, helping promote volunteerism in pediatric healthcare by supporting policy initiatives and funding projects.

Atkins also completed the Youth Leadership Knoxville program, partnering with fellow students to develop a service project supporting the nonprofit tnAchieves.