VOTE: North Jersey Student of the Week Oct. 21-25

It's time to vote in the North Jersey Student of the Week poll!

Each week during the school year, we are soliciting nominations from staff and faculty of high schools across North Jersey of students who are doing something special in their schools and their communities.

Like our long-running athlete of the week feature that honors athletic achievement, the student of the week award seeks to highlight academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, volunteerism and other pursuits that are part of the lives of so many of our young scholars.

The poll will typically launch Monday morning and close at 5 p.m. Thursday. Around noon on Friday, we will announce the top two vote-getters as students of the week with a story.

Nominees and poll are below photo gallery

If you are a high school administrator/teacher and would like to find out more about the program, now in its sophomore year, please email studentoftheweek@northjersey.com . Again, only school officials can nominate students.

The poll is at the bottom of this story. Before you vote (and everyone is welcome to vote!), please make sure to scroll down and read what the nominators had to say about these students. The list is randomized and the nominations have been edited for clarity.

Evelyn Castro-Pineda, senior, Lodi H.S.

Evelyn is a diligent, smart, creative, and disciplined student who consistently exceeds expectations in the classroom. Her intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn are truly inspiring. However, what sets her apart is not just her academic ability, but her genuine kindness and commitment to the success of her peers and community. Her eagerness to help others and her natural leadership skills have made her an invaluable asset to our school community. Whether it's volunteering for school events or organizing study groups, Evelyn approaches every task with an infectious enthusiasm and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.

Evan Kuhl, senior, Lodi H.S.

Evan is truly an outstanding individual who embodies the values we strive to instill in our students. He is enrolled in all Advanced Placement and Honors classes, showcasing his academic excellence and dedication to his studies. Evan is a student of high character and is the first person to help and assist his peers and anyone who is part of Lodi HS. He also serves as the captain of our football team, demonstrating exceptional leadership both on and off the field. I'm truly grateful to have Evan as a part of our school community, and I'm confident that his achievements and positive influence will continue to inspire and motivate his peers.

Jack Peck, senior, Fair Lawn H.S.

Jack came to Fair Lawn High School his junior year after completing his first two years of high school in Tanzania. Jack holds a perfect academic record and GPA of 4.20, is the co-captain of the swim team and the vice president for both the National Honor Society and Chinese National Honors Society. He is incredibly well rounded and driven and hopes to be admitted into the Air Force Academy for fall.

Gabriel Castro, senior, Fair Lawn H.S.

Gabriel is the type of student who is understated yet incredibly impressive. His talents are varied, and he is respected by his peers both in and out of his activities. As a varsity member of the football team, indoor percussion, marching band and swim team, Gabriel balances his commitments and stands out as a leader amongst his peers. Gabriel is also dedicated to performing community service and works consistently with his church to help those in need.

Avery Park, senior, Fair Lawn H.S.

Avery shows perseverance and unwavering dedication to both his academic and extracurricular pursuits. He is a recipient of the National Intergenerational Program of Merit Award for successfully bridging generational gaps and fostering meaningful interactions between various age groups in the community. Avery also is an AP Scholar, National Honor Society member, Vice President of Fair Lawn HS Student Government Association, Co-President of Interact Club - where he has been involved in fundraising, toy drives, and blood drives. He always is volunteering his time for the betterment of the school and town community.

Julia Ratinov, senior, Fair Lawn H.S.

Julia’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in her impressive 4.25 GPA and her rigorous course load. As a member of the National Honor Society and both the English and French honor societies, she has consistently demonstrated leadership and initiative. Her proactive nature is also seen in her involvement with various student clubs, where she has advocated for sustainable climate solutions and served as a dependable fundraiser and tutor. She is a compassionate and considerate individual. Julia’s intellectual curiosity is not confined to the classroom: Julia’s participation in the Waksman Student Scholars Program, where she successfully sequenced and analyzed her own gene, underscores her dedication to the field of biology.

Ella Alberta, sophomore, Hawthorne H.S.

Ella, a leukemia survivor, led a fundraiser during Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month to support Tackle Kids Cancer (TKC), the non-profit that aided her during treatment. With the support of HHS administrators, Ella organized the "Hawthorne High School Goes Gold" campaign, raising over $3,000 by selling gold ribbons, necklaces, and raffle tickets for a signed Eli Manning jersey. Manning, a long-time supporter of TKC, donated the jersey to help Ella raise funds. Her efforts are making a significant impact on pediatric cancer research and care.

Valentina Lodono, senior, Cliffside Park H.S.

Valentina has exceptional involvement in our school community. As a senior class officer, Valentina has demonstrated strong leadership skills by taking on extra responsibilities to ensure her peers have a memorable senior year. She is also an active and dedicated editor-in-chief of the Yearbook Committee, where she collaborates openly with her peers, helping to guide and support the team. Her commitment to both her academic and extracurricular activities makes her a great role model and deserving candidate for the student of the week.

Graciela Larios-Us, senior, Cliffside Park H.S.

Graciela is an incredible and strong student. She lost her mom several years ago and yet she flourishes both academically and as the leader of our school's Support Group (for students who have lost someone close to them).  She has seven siblings and takes care of each of them as her mom would have.  She has a very challenging  academic schedule and does remarkable work. Beyond that, Graciela is a Caring Cooks leader who bakes and cooks for every single event.  She embodies everything that a CPHS Raider should be.

Kaelyn Brisby, senior, Mahwah H.S.

Besides succeeding in the classroom, Kaelyn maintains several leadership positions, including captain of the girls' soccer team and an executive member of Student Government Association. Kaelyn’s dedication to the Mahwah community, her warm and friendly personality, and her leadership skills are just a few of the qualities that make her an exemplary student-athlete and Thunderbird.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: VOTE: North Jersey Student of the Week Oct. 21-25