The Courier-Journal (Louisville)
Merrick wins Courier Journal Student of the Week
Saint X High School sophomore honored
Grayson Merrick, a sophomore at Saint Xavier High School, is the winner of the Courier Journal Student of the Week.
Grayson won the school Poetry Out Loud competition and will compete for the state title in Frankfort in March. He competed against students from every grade. Grayson had to recite two poems three times − once to win his English class, once to win the sophomore class, and finally to win the school.
Readers voted on the students who were nominated by their schools.
The nomination period and poll voting opens every Monday and closes at noon each Thursday. The students are featured in the Sunday Courier Journal. Schools can nominate students now with this link: http://bit.ly/3SaSNOZ.
Learn more about the other Student of the Week nominees:
Cooper Holt, Bethlehem High School: Cooper Holt, a senior at Bethlehem High School, boasts an impressive 3.9 GPA while excelling in both his advanced placement courses and his automotive course at the Nelson County Area Technology Center. His commitment to academic excellence is matched by his passion for civic engagement, as demonstrated by his participation in the High School Student Congress at the Henry Clay Center. Additionally, Cooper’s upcoming summer internship with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office reflects his ambition and eagerness to explore diverse career paths.
DeAnasia Johnson, Fern Creek High School: DeAnasia was recognized as our Academy Student of the Month in January. Here is what her teachers said about her:
“This outspoken, young woman has the ability to speak common sense to her peers. She corrects unruly behavior and defends staff with the student population. She is academically outstanding and overall amazing! I would like for her to receive this recognition before I retire in 2 days!”
“Deanasia is a leader amongst her peers. She is herself always and advocates for safe spaces to allow others to be themselves. She does not mind standing up or being the only one to do what is right and does not fear backlash. She is in multiple student groups catered to growth, leadership, and service to others.”
Madison Yates, Pleasure Ridge Park High School: Madison is the editor-in-chief of our newspaper, The Paw Print. She is active in numerous clubs and has awesome grades. She’s a terrific writer. Last year, along with another student, she organized the protest against the anti-trans bill in Frankfort. What started as a few kids in the creative writing class who were upset went statewide and turned into a huge protest that made national news.
Reach features news clerk Gege Reed at greed@courier-journal.com