Oxford High junior tops 5-way field
The votes have been tabulated, and the winner of the T&G’s Student of the Week is Aidan VanArsdalen of Oxford High School.
The junior National Honor Society member topped a five-way field in the most recent poll, collecting 42% of the 499 votes that were cast.
Aidan is involved in numerous extracurricular activities besides Honor Society, including Student Council, soccer, and indoor and outdoor track.
“His leadership qualities in and out of the classroom have earned him important roles such as secretary for Student Council and track captain,” the school wrote in its nomination of Aidan. “Overall, he is a great kid who exemplifies kindness and integrity.”
The T&G asked high school principals, teachers and guidance counselors to nominate students they say have shown outstanding academic and school achievement and community service.
Besides Aidan, other student considered for the Student of the Week were:
Rene Amoah, Doherty Memorial High School: Rene, a senior, moved to America from Ghana during the 20222023 school year. She has a strong work ethic and is an intelligent, ambitious and motivated student. Rene credits taking AP Biology as reinforcing her desire to study pre-medicine in college. Rene also participates in SITE (Students Involved in Their Education) internship Program. Rene of the Envirothon Team, the Robotics Club, Community Service Club and the Black Student Union. She is a creative, observant and confident young woman who is well-liked by her peers and teachers.
Riley Bassett, Quabbin Regional High School: A senior, Riley is a cocaptain of the basketball team, which won its first league championship in 49 years. She is also member of National Honor Society. This year, she helped start a Q-Munity closet at
Quabbin, which collects free clothing, shoes, toiletries and food for students and community members. Riley is a hard worker as seen in her academics, sports and community. She is a phenomenal role model to younger kids.
Naima Bleou, South High Community School: She is a very dedicated student as well as an athlete. She goes out of her way to help her peers and is always bringing joy in the classroom.
Briana Whitelaw, Quabbin Regional High School: She is a co-captain of the basketball team. Her 3point shooting helped the team win its first league championship in 49 years. She is also a Q-Drug intern and peer tutor. This year, she helped start a QMunity closet at Quabbin. This donations based closet has free clothing, shoes, toiletries and food for students and community members. Briana is a fantastic role model to younger kids.
Are you a school principal, teacher or guidance counselor seeking to nominate someone for Student of the Week? Drop us an email at studentoftheweek@telegram.com. More info here.