Validation for valedictorian: Zamzow takes PHS top spot

By Manuel Azocar III

A Pearsall High School student earned a measure of vindication and validation in late June when she was told that the results of an investigation and review of grade point average calculations determined that she was the highest-ranking graduate of the Pearsall High School Class of 2026.

The family of Kendell Zamzow claimed in a social media post last week that they were notified via a hand-delivered letter from Pearsall ISD officials that a review of GPA calculations, an error found in those calculations and correcting that error led to Kendell earning the distinction as the highest-ranked graduate.

PHS senior Derek Rodriguez had been named valedictorian in May, an announcement that made Zamzow the salutatorian. Rodriguez is the son of former PISD Superintendent Dr. Nobert Rodriguez and PHS Counselor Dr. Mitzy Rodriguez.

“During the course of the investigation, the GPA calculations were yet again redone for the highest achieving students in this year’s graduating class,” the purported letter from the district read. “During this review of the GPA calculations, it was determined that, despite best efforts by the District to implement Pearsall ISD Board Policy EIC (LOCAL), there was an error in calculating the GPA in accordance with Board Policy EIC (LOCAL) for another student.

“Fixing the error that was discovered results in Kendell being the highest-ranking graduate of the Pearsall High School Class of 2026,” the letter read.

The school district issued a brief statement on Monday morning, July 13, from Superintendent Dr. Jodi Spoor.

“The 2026 valedictorian situation is the subject of pending litigation and implicates student privacy rights, so I cannot comment further at this time,” Dr. Spoor said.

On Thursday morning, July 2, attorneys for Dr. Rodriguez and his wife filed suit at the Frio County 81st-218^th District Court, seeking a temporary restraining order against Superintendent Dr. Spoor and the PISD board trustees.

The Zamzow family claims that Kendell maintained the top class ranking throughout high school but that class rankings were no longer made available to students during the final month of her senior year.

“One day before the awards ceremony, we were blindsided to learn that Kendell had been moved from the top ranking to second place, while the son of a Pearsall ISD employee was announced as valedictorian,” Selena Zamzow said in a Facebook post. “We immediately began asking questions. We weren’t seeking special treatment; we simply wanted transparency. We knew our daughter’s work ethic; we knew the grades she had earned, and we believed she deserved an honest explanation.”

According to the family, the district eventually conducted an investigation into the situation and the results of that inquiry confirmed their beliefs.

“Kendell earned the highest GPA in her graduating class and is the rightful valedictorian,” Zamzow said. “The investigation also found that Kendell did not receive the counseling, guidance, and support she deserved during her senior year. As parents, that finding is heartbreaking.

“Based on everything we have learned, we believe what occurred was the result of either serious incompetence or intentional misconduct,” the student’s mother wrote. “Regardless of the cause, the outcome was unacceptable and had a direct impact on our daughter.”

While expressing their gratitude at the outcome and what they describe as the truth finally coming to light, the family says their pursuit for accountability continues.

“We are not finished seeking answers,” Zamzow said. “We still believe there must be accountability for how this happened and why it was allowed to happen. Accountability is essential to ensuring that no other student or family has to endure what ours did.”

Zamzow added that the family was also thankful to the PISD superintendent, board trustees and the investigator for their work in resolving the situation.

“Our sincere gratitude to the superintendent, members of the Pearsall ISD Board of Trustees, and the investigator for taking our concerns seriously, conducting a thorough investigation, and having the integrity and courage to follow the facts wherever they led,” she said. “In a time when it’s easy to become cynical, they demonstrated that there are still leaders willing to put students first and do what is right, even when the truth is difficult. That commitment made all the difference, and we are truly thankful.”