Student of the Week offers schools the opportunity to celebrate teens who have taken part in an art, dance or music competition, excelled at a science fair, won an essay competition, received a scholarship, been recognized for their volunteer work or have excelled in a different way. way.
All Arizona high schools are invited to nominate students for inclusion in an online poll in which azcentral.com readers vote to choose the Student of the Week.
Voting for Student of the Week is possible from Monday 6 a.m. to Wednesday 12 noon. Each week’s winner will be announced online on Friday at 6am
Meet this week’s nominees!
Wilondja Amos, senior, Alhambra High School
As Wilondja Amos’ advanced piano teacher and mentor for his independent music studies, I have witnessed his exceptional dedication and talent. He is president of our piano club and is currently pursuing the prestigious State Art Seal. Wilondja has showcased his musical talents at major events, including the Phoenix Union High School District Piano Festival, where he was one of the top four finalists, and Phoenix College Piano Day. He is now preparing new pieces for future performances in the 2024-2025 school year. Wilondja’s academic ambitions extend beyond music, as he plans to study engineering at Arizona State University. His passion for music, leadership skills and academic ambitions make him an excellent candidate for this recognition.
Nomination submitted by L. Taylor, performing arts teacher, Alhambra High School.
Alexander Clontz, senior, Cesar Chavez High School
Alexander Clontz is the true definition of a student-athlete, giving his best not only on the field, but also in the classroom and in the community. As captain of the Cesar Chavez High School men’s basketball team and a full honors/AP student, Lex constantly pushes himself to be the best he can be. Lex is also the president of a community service club called Be the Change. As president, Lex completes more than 50 hours of community service and provides community service opportunities to more than 40 members to make a difference within the community. As a member of the Link Crew, Lex guides first-year students through the transition to secondary school. Lex has received a full scholarship to Embry Riddle and will study aeronautical engineering.
Nomination submitted by Adriana Toles, school counselor, Alhambra High School.
Saniya Dwivedi, Sophomore, Xavier College Preparatory
Saniya Dwivedi deserves to be AZCentral’s student of the week for many reasons. She founded a local non-profit organization, Health in Movement, which aims to improve the mental and physical health of young people through exercise. The nonprofit partnered with the Foundation for Blind Children in June 2024 to host practice workshops for K-12 students. HIM emphasizes lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to improve mental health. HIM also collaborated with Twinepidemic to investigate cardiometabolic syndrome and the effect of diet and exercise. Saniya is managing an upcoming pickleball tournament in partnership with Arizona State University Pickleball to educate her peers about the importance of exercising, limiting social isolation, and making exercise fun! Saniya is also a volunteer at White Rose Hospice, a gifted pianist and student-athlete on the Xavier basketball team.
Nomination submitted by Catherine Auchter, guidance counselor, Xavier College Preparatory.
Roselynn Fernandez, junior, Camelback High School
Roselynn Fernandez is a conscious, compassionate and courageous leader who truly embodies the spirit of Phoenix Union. Roz serves as a dedicated Link Crew leader, where she supports and guides incoming freshmen as they transition to high school. Her leadership is characterized by empathy, courage and her natural ability to make others feel welcome and valued. Roz consistently stands up for her colleagues and stands up for what is right, even in challenging situations. Her courageous advocacy has a lasting impact and empowers others to find their voice and take positive action. She embodies what it means to be a role model, and she makes our school community kinder and stronger.
Nomination submitted by Connie Doherty, literacy coach, Camelback High School.
For more information about Student of the Week, please send an email studentoftheweek@azcentral.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote for AZCentral’s Student of the Week from October 21 to 25
