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. Each week’s winner is announced online on Friday at 6 a.m.
Meet this week’s nominees!
Prescila Acosta, junior, Apache Junction High School
Prescila Acosta’s honest, kind, hardworking and studious manner has brought her much success at Apache Junction High School. She has been enrolled in the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps since eighth grade. In her first year of NJROTC, she became an officer for public affairs; in her second year, she became an admin; and in her third and fourth years, she earned the highest position as the commanding officer. She has earned many ribbons for air rifle, academics and athletic competitions. Prescila has accumulated approximately 600 hours of community service from NJROTC. In addition to her community service hours with NJROTC, she has earned over 400 hours of community service through her church and other clubs on the high school campus. Prescila is a member of the National Honor Society and serves as the current president. This year, Prescila serves as the head boys’ basketball manager. In addition to Prescila’s school activities, she also works part-time for the city of Apache Junction as a recreation leader with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Nomination submitted by Jennifer Powell, academic counselor, Apache Junction High School.
How to nominate: Do you know a teen worth celebrating? Nominate them for Arizona Student of the Week
Samuel Flores, senior, Alhambra High School
Samuel Flores is a model student in and out of school. He is involved in the Be A Leader Foundation and a huge part of the football program as team captain and mentor. Even after completing his senior year in football, he has continued to show leadership to the underclassmen by displaying the core values of perseverance, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence. If I had to describe Samuel in one word, it would be “selfless,” as he always puts those around him above himself to make everyone around him better. It has been an honor to see him continue to pursue his goals, and I know he will be successful in anything that he decides to put his mind to.
Nomination submitted by Charles Rivera, marketing teacher and head football coach, Alhambra High School.
Alexia Yanez, senior, Vista Grande High School
Alexia Yanez is an amazing young woman who exemplifies a model student at Vista Grande High School. Alexia has high expectations of herself, as exhibited by the fact that she will graduate early in December. She established this goal when she was a freshman. Not only will she graduate early, but she has also worked hard to maintain very high grades. Most importantly, Alexia is inspiring in the fact that she is kind and well-respected by her peers. She has the maturity and empathy to understand that some students exist differently at school. Her enthusiasm and bright smile make her a joy to have in class.
Nomination submitted by Corey Graham, Tracy Stuart and Lisa Flores, teachers, Vista Grande High School.
For more information on Student of the Week, email studentoftheweek@azcentral.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: AZCentral Student of the Week voting opens for Dec. 9-13