T&G Student of the Week: Nine great nominees in the running. Vote now

Principals, teachers and guidance counselors submitted their nominations for the latest Telegram & Gazette Student of the Week poll. Now it's your turn to weigh in.

Voting is open to noon Thursday. There are nine nominees this week.

Educators have nominated students they say have shown outstanding academic and school achievement and community service.

We will announce the winner Friday. Scroll down to vote.

The nominees for the week of Feb. 26 are:

Summaries submitted by schools.

Ava Cormier, Fitchburg High School: Ava is a standout senior. Her dedication to her academics and her drive to succeed make her excel academically. Ava's commitment to participating and improving school culture can be found in her contributions as a student council member, honors society member and Best Buddies participant. Ava's passion has always been to work with children and she is committed to continue her passion in early childhood education at Fitchburg State University. Not only is Ava an exemplary role model as a student for FHS, her kindness, maturity and passion for molding the minds of young ones will have a positive impact on future students that will have the good fortune to have Ava as their teacher and role model.

Cristina Cosgrove, West Boylston High School: Cristina, a sophomore, is being nominated based on her perfect school attendance record (no absences, tardies or dismissals) and her outstanding academic achievement so far this year. All of her teachers report that she is a very conscientious and diligent student who is invested in her education. Cristina challenges herself by enrolling in all honors and advanced placement courses. She excels in them.

Nathan Kozlowski, Millbury High School: Day in and day out, Nate is known for bringing not only a smile but also a positive attitude to school. Nate works extremely hard at his academics in order to succeed and is willing to take on any challenge that is presented to him. Without question, his personality and ability to connect with people is infectious. Nate is also known for how much he exudes pride in both his school and his country. He is a multi-sport athlete. He has officially enlisted in the Marines for his post-secondary plans and often speaks about his eagerness to join and serve.

Erica Ramirez Mercedes, Worcester Technical High School: Erica, a sophomore, is a self starter. She has taken initiative to organize and design our quarterly hospitality newsletter and is dubbed the resident creative director because she is always first to coordinate and plan a shop event. She is a natural leader, one of the first students to learn and understand a BEO (Banquet Event Order) and execute a conference meeting independently. She inspires and leads underclassmen in Bistro.

Julia Parenteau, Clinton High School: Julia is just an all-around great leader. In the classroom, she is respectful and hardworking, but it is what she does outside of the classroom that warrants recognition. She is the president of the student council. Julia, a junior, continually goes above and beyond the call of duty for her position. She is running the Gaels Giving Tree with the help of the internal council. She does not expect recognition, but I believe her dedication and community service warrant recognition. She truly wants to just help her community, an intrinsic desire that cannot be taught.

Tristan Robinson, Abby Kelley Foster Charter School: Tristan, a sophomore, is highly motivated to achieve academically. Tristan manages multiple responsibilities while consistently showing regard for others' feelings, beliefs, rights and worth. Tristan models for others' high standards for academic excellence and personal character.

Gabriel Rosa, South High Community School: The growth Gabriel has shown from the beginning of his senior year until now is impressive. Gabriel is God-fearing and works hard to be the best person he can be by taking accountability and by correcting himself when needed. He is inquisitive and has a thirst for knowledge. Additionally, Gabriel is a leader and is well-liked among his peers.

Julio Salina, South High Community School: Julio is an ambassador for South High and embodies our core values on a daily basis — of being respectful, responsible, ready to learn and resilient. When Julio is not setting South High records in the weight room, excelling on the football field or flourishing in the classroom, he is regularly helping staff and students making South High the amazing place that it is. He takes pride in the SHS community and has grown into a true leader of the school. Julio does all of this with a smile on his face and lifts up everyone he encounters.

Robert Wykes, South High Community School: Robert is one of the kindest, most respectful and hardworking students I've ever worked with, said Tiffani Evers, instructional assitant. He is always on task and ready to complete every assignment with pride, care and without complaint. Another amazing fact is that Robert has never been absent thus far in his high school career. That says a lot about how important Robert believes his education is. He also works part time at a local supermarket.

Previous winner Congrats to Rhiannon Novick of Burncoat High, winner of T&G Student of the Week

Are you a school principal, teacher or guidance counselor seeking to nominate someone for Student of the Week? Drop us an email at studentoftheweek@telegram.com. More info here.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: T&G Student of the Week: Nine great nominees in the running. Vote now