Student of the Week offers schools the chance to celebrate teens who have placed in an art, dance or music competition, excelled in a science fair, won an essay contest, received a scholarship, were recognized for their volunteer service or have shined in some other way.
All high schools in Arizona are invited to nominate students to be included in an online poll where azcentral.com readers vote to choose the Student of the Week.
Student of the Week voting is open from 6 a.m. Monday through noon Wednesday. The winner will be announced online Friday at 6 a.m.
Meet this week’s nominees!
Ellie Phillips, junior, Valley Christian Schools
Ellie Phillips not only earned her 1,000th career point in basketball this January but also finished her cross-country season earlier this school year as third in the state for Division III. She serves as one of Valley Christian Schools’ junior class officers and as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader. Ellie has fantastic character and is a leader on campus in all areas of her life. She is well respected by both the VCS staff and her peers.
Nomination submitted by Savannah Freeman, executive project manager, Valley Christian Schools.
Aditya Tyagi, junior, Chaparral High School
Aditya Tyagi, who aspires to work in the medical field, has a special passion for making health care accessible for the unhoused, uninsured and diverse communities. To help meet this need, he founded a nonprofit organization, Connect2Health, in 2022. His vision is to develop a network of services, resources and volunteers and put them in touch with people from underserved communities to ensure that everyone has a fair chance at good health. Adi also began a chapter of his organization on our campus to promote awareness and rally volunteers from among the student body. Aditya successfully maintains top grades and has a humble, caring and approachable disposition. in addition to running Connect2Health, Adi has served his school and community as a math tutor, varsity swimmer, swimming instructor and lifeguard, and volunteer in the Scottsdale Public Library!
Nomination submitted by Sharon Pattersonca, Spanish teacher, Chaparral High School.
For more information on Student of the Week, email studentoftheweek@azcentral.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Nonprofit founder and star athlete: Vote for Student of the Week