Meet the 2026 PHS Class Exemplar: Brennan Nickel

Posted May 26, 2026

Plymouth High School senior Brennan Nickel says his time at PHS has taught him that his actions can have great impacts on the people around him.

“Through my leadership positions and community service, I’ve seen that sometimes a little effort on my end can go a long way in helping someone else,” he said.

Brennan was chosen as class exemplar by a panel of adults, based on his stellar academic work, extensive extracurricular involvement, and leadership skills. As class exemplar, he receives the $5,000 Rhyan Family Class Exemplar Scholarship. (Mr. Rhyan, a former Plymouth Board of Education president, was a strong proponent of the class exemplar designation, and memorials given in his name contributed to the scholarship fund.)

As class exemplar, Brennan will address those gathered for PHS Commencement Exercises on Sunday May 31. “My speech highlights the places around Plymouth that have truly impacted the Class of 2026, and really thanks the city of Plymouth for its contributions to our successes,” he said.

While at PHS, Brennan was very involved in FBLA, where he served as the president; and National Honor Society, where he was the vice president. He also was a varsity soccer captain.

He enjoyed his PHS tech ed courses, especially Engineering Design and Development. “It was my favorite because we were tasked with solving problems within the school and community, and it was cool to see our designs come to fruition,” he said.

Brennan plans to attend UW-Madison in the fall to major in mechanical engineering, with a long-term goal of developing sustainable and affordable medical equipment

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities Plymouth has provided, and I’m excited to see the impact our class will make as we begin to forge our own paths,” he added.

Learn more:
• Details about the 2026 Plymouth High School Commencement Exercises.
• View a list of scholarships awarded to members of the PHS Class of 2026.