Vote for the StarNews Student of the Week for April 15

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.

Voting is open until 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 18.

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 19.

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

And the nominees for the week of April 15 are:

Eddy Avalos-Duran, SEA-Tech High School

Eddy Avalos-Duran, a junior at Southeast Area Technical High School (SEA-Tech), was nominated by instructional coach George Knips. In the nomination, Knips noted Avalos-Duran was one of only 50 students selected for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program, which will give him the opportunity to spend his senior year studying in Germany. Knips added that Avalos-Duran is an emerging astronomer and photographer. “The entire SEA-Tech family congratulates this outstanding student ambassador and we are thrilled he will have the experience of studying abroad,” the nomination stated.

Marshall Chalk, Hoggard High School

Marshall Chalk, a freshman, was nominated by English teacher Erin McNaughton. She said, “Marshall is an all-around great student. He works hard, is respectful and kind to others, and sets a good example for those around him.”

Isaiah Cotten, North Brunswick High School

Isaiah Cotten, a senior, was nominated by his teacher Wendy Long because he is “dependable, works hard, and is always willing to assist other students.” Long stated Cotten “doesn’t like recognition and tries his best to blend in, but he is a standout in the classroom.”

Shyheim Jackson, West Brunswick High School

Teacher Haleigh Wallace nominated Shyheim Jackson who was recently selected to participate in Novant Health’s Project Search, a program that helps students find jobs. “This program is very competitive and is a huge accomplishment for him,” the nomination stated. Wallace added that Jackson is a leader “in and out of the classroom,” and he’s always looking for ways to help both the teachers and students. Jackson also placed first for the 100-meter run and second for the long jump at Special Olympics. “We are so very proud of him and his accomplishments and can’t wait to see the amazing things he does after graduation,” Wallace wrote.

Jackson James, Wilmington Early College High School

Principal Regin Wooten nominated Jackson James, a freshman, for being “an excellent student who works diligently in all his classes.” Wooten noted James was selected to attend the Poultry Science Summer Institute (PSSI), a five-day poultry science experience for high school students. “Mrs. Sharp, Jackson's Biology teacher is so proud of him because according to her, ‘He got into a very competitive summer program that focuses on poultry science (which is what he wants to study) at NC State,’” Wooten wrote, adding, “She and the other staff members know that he will represent WECHS in a very positive light.” Wooten said she believes Jackson is “well on his way to having another Wolfpack mascot,” and the next time, instead of Wilmington Early College, it will be at N.C. State University in Raleigh.

Zeke Lodato, Isaac Bear Early College High School

Principal Ronald Villines nominated Zeke Lodato, noting he is “a student who shines a bright light wherever he goes.” Villines noted Lodato is “incredibly kind and helpful to both his teachers and peers, and always tries his best in every subject.” “Zeke brings positivity and confidence to the classroom and is always willing to ask for help and adjust,” Villines said, adding, “I am honored to have Zeke as a Student at Isaac Bear.”

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: StarNews Student of the Week April 15