School break is over. Cast your vote for the Providence Journal Student of the Week

School vacation week is over and we're in the stretch drive to the end of the school year. It also means there's still some time left to recognize the state's top high school students.

Below you will find the nominations for The Providence Journal's Student of the Week initiative and it's time for you to pick the best of the best.

Voting is open until noon on Thursday, April 25.

High schools across the state have been asked to submit nominations and a new round of nominees and voting will be made available every Monday and close the following Thursday.

Participating Rhode Island high school principals, teachers and guidance counselors nominated students they say have shown outstanding academic and school achievement and community service.

We will announce a winner Friday on providencejournal.com and in print in the Sunday Providence Journal.

Take a look at this week's nominees and cast your ballot below.

Emely Mezquita, The Met High School

Emely is an exceptional student, both in her dedication to produce high-quality work and inspire others. She immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic in 2018 and quickly learned a second language. Recently, Emely demonstrated exceptional research, preparation, and maturity when she interviewed a surgical oncologist to learn more about the career – and was offered an internship with the surgeon on the spot. The doctor was impressed with the depth of Emely's questions, the fluency of her language skills in both English and Spanish, and her ability to professionally interact with staff.

Samantha Kimber, South Kingstown

South Kingstown High School is proud to spotlight Samantha Kimber, whose dedication to her education, work, and community service is truly commendable. Samantha has taken advantage of two of South Kingstown High School’s career and technical education (CTE) programs: Certified Nursing Assistant and Emergency Medical Technician. Her passion for healthcare and her drive to excel in both academic and extracurricular activities set her apart as a remarkable student and a future leader in the healthcare field.

Samantha has completed 50 hours of clinical work at a local nursing home, gaining valuable hands-on experience in patient care. Samantha's dedication to learning and serving others was further evidenced by her successful completion of the written and skills State exam, allowing her to gain her state CNA license. She works as a Patient Care Technician at South County Hospital, where she assists RNs, helps patients with daily activities, and assists patients and their families. This experience has reinforced her goal to continue her education to become a nurse.

Currently, Samantha is actively engaged in our school's CTE Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program, which will further enhance her skills and knowledge in the medical field. Her participation in these programs showcases her commitment to acquiring the necessary skills and experience to make a difference in healthcare. Samantha is a dedicated honors student who takes challenging courses, including AP Biology and AP Chemistry, to prepare for her future career in nursing. Her commitment to her studies is evident in her academic achievements and her desire to make a positive impact in the world as a registered nurse.

In addition to Samantha’s CNA license, she participated in a CTE pharmacy internship where she earned her Pharmacy Technician 1 license, working at Green Line Apothecary. She gained valuable experience working alongside pharmacists and technicians, managing pharmacy protocols, and developing important time management and organizational skills.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Samantha is an active member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), where she participates in national competitive events to develop her skills as a future health professional leader.

Samantha is not only dedicated to her studies and work but also to giving back to her community. She has volunteered for multiple causes, including organizing successful fundraisers, hosting soup kitchens, Relay for Life, and providing medical care for Special Olympics athletes. Her commitment to service and compassion for others makes her a standout student and a role model for her peers.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence Journal Student of the Week nominees from Met School, SK