Dispatch Student of the Week: Olentangy Liberty's Natalie Gray wins close race

Olentangy Liberty High School's Natalie Gray won over a talented and crowded field for The Dispatch's inaugural Student of the Week poll.

Gray secured 1,984 votes, or 26.9%, of the 7,382 votes cast this week to edge Lara Teri of New Albany High School, who secured 1,972 votes, or 26.7%.

Here is Gray's nomination, from the school:

"A sophomore who was diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor a few years ago, she has pledged to raise $250,000 for research and a foundation has formed in the community. Last weekend, Natalie and her foundation raised $30,825 and put her total for donations over $200,000. Her crusade to help others for life-saving pediatric brain tumor research is inspiring and necessary. The event included doubleheader basketball games between the Liberty and Olentangy Orange girls and boys. The packed gym, positive environment and community support made the evening memorable and fun."

Here is Teri's nomination, from the school:

"Lara is a dedicated student-athlete with future aspirations in international affairs, public health and pre-medical studies. She is passionate about pursuing these careers with the goals of reversing global health care disparities and solving the complex issues that affect our world today. She is a leader within our student council, national honor society, NAACP Youth Unit and Black Student Association. Lara was nominated because she truly makes a difference in our New Albany learning community on a daily basis."

This week's poll included 11 candidates for Student of the Week.

Students were nominated by participating central Ohio high school principals, teachers and guidance counselors for outstanding academic and school achievement and community service.

Here were the other nominees for Jan. 29 and what was said about them:

Meera Biswa, Watkins Memorial: "Is an advocate for her community and is continually giving back in the area of mental health awareness. As a result of her contributions, she has been selected as the 2024 Junior Woman of Achievement and will receive a $1,000 scholarship."

Molina Byrd, Licking Heights: "Molina holds a 3.7 GPA and is an outstanding academically well-rounded student. She is on the school yearbook staff and a member of the art club. She plans to attend Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida in the fall in hopes of becoming a commercial airline pilot."

Luke Hann, Granville: "Luke, a senior, recently scored in the top 1% of the American Mathematics Competition and has qualified for the American Invitational Mathematics Examination. He carries a cumulative GPA of 4.32 and is enrolled in four AP courses."

William Kohut, Lakewood: "William is in the top two of his class academically. During the 23-24 school year, Will has served as a student representative on the Lakewood Local Schools Board of Education, and he is one of two students who represented LHS at the Newark Rotary Club meetings in January. He is a leader and an active, well-rounded member of the student body."

Carter Mallernee, Northridge: Carter is a senior and is a varsity basketball player and an honor student. He is an excellent leader within our school and passed the career 1,000-point milestone in basketball last week.

Eyon Robinson, Westerville North: "A student athlete with a GPA of 3.7 and a starting spot on the varsity basketball team, Eyon is involved in various clubs and volunteers on and off campus, likely to earn a Community Service seal. Eyon plans to attend Ohio University in the fall."

Taylor Stace, Whitehall Yearling: "Has a GPA of 4.0, is among the top 10 bowlers in central Ohio and 'is a tremendous teammate.'”

Nate Willis, Newark Catholic: "Not only is Nate an amazing student, achieving high academic honors all-around, but he is also the first person his peers would recognize as a natural leader with the kindest of personalities and the utmost integrity. Nate was recently honored with the coveted Ohio's "Scholar Athlete of the Year" and was featured on WSYX ABC 6 news, Jan. 8."

Mallory Wolfe, DeSales: "Recently learned that she has received a merit scholarship from the Council on International Educational Exchange to study in Beijing, China, this summer. She will spend a month there staying with a host family and taking Mandarin classes to improve her language skills. Mallory plans to major in Chinese in college."

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Olentangy Liberty's Natalie Gray wins Dispatch Student of the Week