It’s time to vote in the North Jersey Student of the Week poll!
Each week during the school year, we solicit nominations from North Jersey high school staff and teachers of students who are doing something special at their school and in their community.
Like our long-running Athlete of the Week column that honors athletic achievements, the Student of the Week award seeks to spotlight academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteerism and other pursuits that are part of the lives of so many of our young scholars .
The poll normally launches on Monday morning and closes at 5pm on Thursday. On Friday around 12 noon we will announce the two best voters as students of the week with a story.
Nominees and poll are below the photo gallery
If you are a high school administrator/teacher interested in learning more about the program, now in its second year, please email studentoftheweek@northjersey.com. Again, only school officials can nominate students.
The survey is at the bottom of this story. Before you vote (and everyone can vote!), scroll down and read what the nominators had to say about these students. The list has been randomized and the nominations have been edited for clarity.
Caleb Hosier, senior, Midland Park HS
Caleb is a role model for his peers at Midland Park High School. Caleb is a classroom leader and has a passion for learning. He demonstrates strong discipline and critical thinking, and works effectively with colleagues. As captain of both the football and tennis teams, he encourages teamwork and inspires his teammates to be the best they can be. His commitment to service is evident in his summer mission trips and his volunteer role at Vacation Bible School. He is captain of the Consumer Bowl team and a member of the chess team.
Jack Peck, senior, Fair Lawn HS
Nomination submitted by Hickory Middle School, Chesapeake, Virginia: Jack worked very hard to transition from living in Tanzania to America. He has faced many significant trials and has continued to make positive efforts to do what God has called him to do: live life to the fullest. He has been a strong leader both at home and at school and has supported his family through a very difficult season. I would love to see him recognized for the great leader he has become!
Amritjeet Singh, senior, Lodi HS
Amritjeet is currently enrolled in seven AP courses, ranks in the top 5% of his class, and has a GPA of 4.3. A member of the National Honor Society, he volunteers at the concession stand during football games or runs errands for teachers. Amritjeet also volunteers at his family’s place of worship as a chef’s assistant and food distributor. Amritjeet is excited to be working at a polling place in Bergen County on November 5. He is the Lodi HS student representative to the Lodi Board of Education. In this role, Amritjeet attends monthly Board of Education meetings to report on the events and athletic achievements of his fellow classmates. He is a member of the Lodi HS Varsity Tennis team and enjoys playing guitar. He hopes to study engineering, business and law in college. Amazingly, Amritjeet finds time to work at his father’s restaurant as a customer service representative, busser and cashier. We are proud of Amritjeet’s incredible work ethic, academic achievements and dedication to his school, family and the Lodi community.
Julia Prots, senior, North Arlington HS
Julia is an excellent student. She participates in many of our clubs and activities at NAHS, including the Early College Program. Julia is always ready to lend a helping hand and lead a group to success.
Maia Pedreira, senior, North Arlington HS
Maia has proven to be a valuable asset to the North Arlington community. She is a four-year varsity volleyball player and leads her team to many victories. Outside of school, Maia spends her time organizing fundraisers and volunteering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association at their camp. Maia is a hardworking and dedicated student, achieving good grades during her time at NAHS. She plans to attend a four-year college in the fall and pursue a career in school counseling.
Colin Shepard, senior, Morris Catholic HS
Colin is an experienced student with a solid academic and leadership background. Colin is a Morris Catholic High School senior with a 4.54 GPA and has held leadership positions including student body president and senior leadership team. He was a delegate to the American Legion Jersey Boys State. He has been involved in clubs and honorary societies including NHS, Rho Cappa, English and Spanish NHS. Colin also serves as captain of varsity cross-country and track and field and alternate captain of varsity hockey. His community service includes founding a memorial 5K race and volunteering with local charities and a parish.
David Bondarowicz, senior, Morris Catholic HS
David exemplifies dedication and leadership through his diverse achievements. As captain of the robotics team, he transformed a small program into a championship qualifying team. A dedicated Boy Scout working toward his Eagle rank, David embodies the motto “Be Prepared” as he mentors younger Scouts. His dedication to service is evident in his work with students with autism and his Eagle Project at Celebration the Children. On the football field, David demonstrates perseverance as team captain while maintaining academic excellence through multiple honor societies. His friendly, forward-looking approach and commitment to helping others make him an excellent member of the school community.
Christina Tawil, senior, Lodi HS
Christina possesses academic excellence and intellectual curiosity in all of her Advanced Placement classes. Christina also takes classes at Felician University. In addition to her academic achievements, Christina is president of the National Honor Society and secretary of the Key Club. She has dedicated countless hours to community service, raising money and awareness for various causes, including supporting sick children, refugees, seniors and the homeless. Christina’s ability to empathize with the needs of others, combined with her passion for making a positive impact, is truly inspiring and exemplifies her remarkable character and dedication to creating change.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: STEM: North Jersey Student of the Week October 28 – November. 1
