The nominations for Caller-Times’s Student of the Week initiative are in, and now it’s time for you to pick the best of the best.
Participating Coastal Bend high school principals, teachers and guidance counselors nominated high school students they say have shown outstanding academic and school achievement and community service.
We will announce a winner and runner-up Friday.
To cast a vote, visit the poll at the bottom of this nominees list.
And the nominees for Jan. 29 are:
- Oscar Cruces, Three Rivers High School — Cruces has participated in UIL mathematics and calculator applications throughout his high school career. His is a three-time UIL region qualifier and a 2023 state qualifier in mathematics.
- Cooper Floyd, Flour Bluff High School — Floyd serves as a leader in his school’s Robotics Club, including the “Twisted Transistors” team that placed first in the FTC Gulf Coast League Meet and Championship. He also advanced to the state competition for Business Professionals of America and has been offered a scholarship to Neumont College of Computer Science. According to Flour Bluff ISD, Floyd is “an exceptional student and a prime example of resiliency, courage and strength,” after battling health challenges during his high school years.
- Ava-Chanel Olivares, A.C. Jones High School — Olivares stands out as an outstanding student, demonstrating academic excellence and engaging in dedicated community service, according to Beeville ISD. She “embodies love and dignity” in representing her school, making notable contributions to the Superintendent Student Leadership Advisory Council, National Honor Society, soccer team and varsity choirs.
- Ricky Ramirez, London High School — Ramirez is a London High School athlete as well as a percussionist in the school’s UIL Sweepstakes Award-winning band. Ramirez makes award-winning barbeque for National High School BBQ Association contests. He is also involved with FCCLA, placing second in the organizations national competition for sports and wellness in 2023. According to London ISD, Ramirez is an “extremely talented and well-rounded student.”
- Laura Silva-Zarate, Calallen High School — Silva-Zarate is in the top 10 of her graduating class at Calallen High School. According to Calallen ISD, she has an exceptional work ethic and is dedicated to her education. Silva-Zarate is a semi-finalist for the Gates Scholarship and plans to major in pre-med and eventually become a neurosurgeon.