Vote: StarNews Student of the Week Feb. 26-March 1

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 noon on Thursday, Feb. 29.

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, March 1.

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

And the nominees for the week of Feb. 26 are:

Luke Basso, Ashley High School

Principal Michael Perez submitted Luke Basso’s nomination, noting Basso was nominated by author David Hollar. “Luke created a project that included interviewing veterans of the Vietnam War to share their heroic stories,” Perez wrote. He added this project will benefit veterans and the public. Perez said Basso is an honors student with a 3.46 GPA.

Ingrid Chavez, Hoggard High School

Ingrid Chavez, received nominations from both Angie Baker, the school social worker, and Mikayla Millard, the school counselor. Both noted that Chavez has volunteered to be a buddy for a student who recently lost his vision. They noted she walks him to and from class each day, sacrificing her lunch time. The nomination said Chavez is a “caring student” and deserving of recognition. Chavez reportedly told Baker, “We need to be kind to others, to show compassion to be their friend, to help them when they need it.” Baker states Chavez’s compassion is “STAR quality.”

Heidi Jo Fritz, Isaac Bear Early College High School

Principal Ronald Villines nominated Heidi Jo Fritz for doing an excellent job each day. “Heidi Jo is kind to all those around her and goes above and beyond in her dedication to her work,” he wrote in the nomination. He added she is a “well-rounded athlete, student and friend,” and is respectful to the faculty and staff of Isaac Bear. “Heidi Jo is an excellent example of what we intend for all Isaac Bear students to be,” Villines concluded.

Chandler Hall, North Brunswick High School

Principal Dr. Margaret Rollison nominated Chandler Hall, a sophomore, for being “an exceptionally conscientious” student. “He is always present and on time for class with materials he needs to be successful,” Rollison wrote. She added he “promptly completes all assignments, actively asks for clarification when he needs it and helps students around him” when needed. “He is always prepared for tests and has a positive growth mindset,” she concluded.

Macey Long, West Brunswick High School

Teachers Anna Saunders and Casey Sellers nominated Macey Long, a junior. In the nomination, they wrote Long has been a “phenomenal leader” in the school’s leadership program for three semesters, participating in a number of projects including planning the winter semi-formal, leading adaptive physical education classes for students in the school’s life skills classes, reading to elementary school students, and more. “She is the true embodiment of Trojan Pride, genuinely caring about and actively working towards the creation of a positive high school experience for herself and for her peers,” they wrote. “She's bright and dynamic, and we are so lucky to have Macey for another year.”

Abigail Witkowski, Wilmington Early College High School

Principal Regina Wooten nominated Abigail Witkowski. Wooten wrote Witkowski is “an exceptional student” who “strives to support others and consistently maintains academic excellence.” Witkowski has been active in Science Olympiad since her freshman year and encourages other to participate and do their best. A STEAM student, she also has tutored students in math and provides support for those who need additional help in science. “Additionally, Abigail is a Girl Scout and has volunteered the past several years to present the colors for graduation,” Wooten wrote. “Abigail represents the Girl Scouts because she is always prepared to do her best.”

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Vote: StarNews Student of the Week Feb. 26-March 1