It started with 40 senior nominations from high school staff, and it came down to two students who received the Cedar Crest High School Student of the Year Award. On Monday, May 18, Abena Obuobia and Tanner Zimmerman were presented with their awards by CCHS Assistant Principal Rob Snyder at the Cornwall-Lebanon School District’s Regular Board Meeting.
“Abena has been such an amazing leader for our school,” said Snyder. “She’s so positive and kind within her leadership and brings [a] big smile to school every day. Behind the smile and positive demeanor is a quiet intensity that brings a ‘let’s get the job done’ mentality to everything she does.”
Abena was the Class of 2026 president and Key Club co-president. She participated in marching band, concert band, symphonic band, jazz band, National Honor Society, winter and spring track and field, tap dance, and ballet. She is in the top 5% of her class and a gold medal recipient, representing her outstanding academic achievements for all four years at CCHS.
Reflecting on her award, Abena shared: “To me, it’s not the title that means the most, but how I got it—from just being myself and staying dedicated to academics and service. From everything I've experienced at Cedar Crest, I know what I want to do is to help people—no matter if I get recognition or not. My end goal is making a difference.”
Tanner was chosen in recognition of his leadership both in and out of the classroom. He was Student Council treasurer, president of Future Farmers of America, and captain of the track and field team. In addition, he was a leader in Students for Christ and is highly involved in his church. He also earned a gold medal for his high academic achievements throughout high school.
“One thing we appreciate about Tanner is that he has such a strong desire to develop his leadership,” said Snyder. “In speaking with him over the years, you can gain the sense that his personal growth is important to him and that he’s only breaking the surface in who he wants to become.”
In his remarks to the Board of School Directors, Tanner shared: “Every teacher, both the ones I've had and the ones I have not, has impacted me in so many ways … One of the quotes that hangs in our classroom says, ‘Ships are safe at harbor, but that's not what they were made for.’ I truly believe this. I truly believe that there is no growth within comfort, and therefore my goal has always been to step out into every opportunity. Thank you to all of our school board members, our administration, and our teachers. Truly, without any of you, none of us would be here tonight.”
Watch the livestream of the 2025-2026 CCHS Student of the Year presentations.