The votes are in: Hoggard's Serret is named the StarNews Student of the Week
The votes are in!!
Jayla Serret, a student at Hoggard High School, is the StarNews Student of the Week.
In the nomination, Serret's science teacher, Caroline Newman, wrote, “Jayla is a great student and person. She is always on top of her work in chemistry class and is always willing to help others understand complex information.” Newman added that Serret is “honest, reliable, and always willing to collaborate” when assigned to a group. The school noted Serret plans to attend college, major in chemistry and go to medical to become a dermatologist.
According to the results, Serret earned the top spot taking 13,163 of the 25,828 votes cast in the poll.
The StarNews asked principals, teachers and guidance counselors from across the area to participate in the Student of the Week program by sending nominations.
The readers got to pick the best of the best in our polls.
In addition to Serret, the following students were nominated by principals or staff members at their schools:
Alexa Crace, Ashley High School
Alexa Crace was nominated by Ashley High School Principal Michael Perez. In the nomination, Perez wrote that Crace, a sophomore, designed and produced a cooking cart in her career and technical education class (CTE). “The 15-year-old is already certified in AutoCAD and 3D modeling and printing,” Perez wrote. Crace’s CTE teacher, Mr. O'Neil, matched her up Jon Barber, vice-president of operations for JCC Outdoor Products (manufacturer of the Wilmington Grill), who served as an expert in the field and mentored Crace. Barber met with her and allowed her to manufacture her creation, “the Island Cart,” in his shop. Crace has a 4.3125 grade-point average.
Judson Fletcher, North Brunswick High School
Dr. Margaret Rollison, principal of North Brunswick High School, nominated Judson Fletcher, a junior. “Judson is an amazing person and a hard-working student,” she wrote. “He never fails to offer helpful assistance to those he perceives need it, and he is very serious about staying caught up on his assignments even though he participates in multiple sports throughout the year.”
Logan Haker, Isaac Bear Early College High School
Principal Ronald Villines Jr. wrote that Logan, a freshman, is “always ready to assist a classmate if the need arises.” He added Haker is “respectful, constantly tries his best, and always puts forth the effort to show academic growth.” “He is kind, funny, and an active member of the freshman cohort, Villines said in the nomination. “Logan steps up and takes charge when others need a leader. We are proud to have Logan Haker as a Student at Isaac Bear Early College High School!”
Tanner Kereszturi, Topsail High School
Tanner Kereszturi was nominated by his teacher Russell Johnson. In the nomination, Johnson wrote Kereszturi has a professional demeanor and a “commitment to excellence fueled by a consistent drive to succeed.” He also noted Kereszturi’s academic accomplishments, which include being inducted into the National Honor Society in May 2023, maintaining a 97 average in Russell’s class, placing in DECA’s entrepreneurship competition twice and advancing regionally, and earning first-place in the Future Farmers of America regional horticulture competition. Kereszturi is also a member of the jazz, symphonic, and marching bands, works in the restaurant business, and was selected as the drummer for Wilmington School of Rock’s house band. “Tanner is a natural leader; uninhibited about entering any project with the goal of a quality solution while simultaneously incorporating the strengths of his teammates or project partners to enhance the outcome,” Johnson wrote.
Derek Waite, West Brunswick High School
West Brunswick High School Principal Scott Dalton nominated Derek Waite. In the nomination, Dalton wrote that Waite, a senior, “is pursuing a career in the military with a great ASVAB score” and “has several opportunities with all the branches.” Waite has also taken several honors and advanced placement classes throughout high school.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: StarNews Student of the Week for Feb.5-9
