Vote: StarNews Student of the Week for April 22-26

The latest nominations for the StarNews Student of the Week are in, and now it's time for you to pick the best of the best.

Participating high school principals, teachers and guidance counselors in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties nominated students they say have shown outstanding academic achievement and made a difference in their schools and communities.

We will announce a winner Friday, April 26.

To cast a vote, visit the poll at the bottom of this nominees list.

And the nominees for the week of April 22 are:

Jake Allen, Hoggard High School

Math teacher Brandon Hart nominated Jake Allen who is currently a student in his Advanced Placement pre-calculus class, noting “what’s more impressive than his grades is his character.” “I've known Jake for 8 years, and seen him grow into an incredible young man,” Hart wrote. “Jake is a born leader; he led a crew of boy scouts this past summer on a 100-mile backpacking trip in New Mexico.” Hart noted that in addition to earning the rank of Eagle Scout last year, Allen is a member of Beta Club.

Sarah Hales, Isaac Bear Early College High School

Principal Ronald Villines nominated Sarah Hales saying she “encompasses what it means to be an Isaac Bear student.” “Not only is Sarah hardworking and gives 100% in her classes every day, but she is kind, welcoming to everyone and a quiet leader as she leads her classmates in in depth discussions in each of her classes,” Villines wrote, adding that her teachers have “been blown away this year with how artistically talented she is.”

Kynnedi Harris, Wilmington Early College High School

Principal Regina Wooten nominated Kynnedi Harris stating she is “kind, soft-spoken, and hard-working.” Wooten said Harris has achieved a 4.4595 weighted GPA and plans to attend North Carolina A&T State University. “Her goal is to become a college professor and positively impact others,” Wooten wrote. “By graduating with a two-year degree, while still in high school, Kynnedi will inspire others with her demonstration of perseverance and self-realization of attaining goals.” Wooten concluded by saying that Harris has maintained part-time jobs since she was 15 and will graduate with honors.

Sawyer Rigdon, Ashley High School

Principal Michael Perez nominated Sawyer Rigdon, a junior and multi-sport athlete who plays for the school’s varsity basketball, varsity softball, and varsity flag football teams. “She is the starting shortstop for the softball team and the starting quarterback for the inaugural flag football team,” Perez wrote. “This past weekend, Sawyer threw 6 touchdown passes over the 3-game weekend, helping Ashley to a perfect 3-0 weekend record and an overall record of 9-0.”

Jaelah Stanley, West Brunswick High School

Stephanie Sendlewski nominated Jaelah Stanley, calling her “an outstanding student” who works “very heard to perform at her best” and helps her peers to perform their best. “Jaelah is an animated performer who brings excitement and joy to every performance she is a part of,” Sendlewski wrote.