I’m happy to announce that The Fayetteville Observer’s Student of the Week initiative is back for the 2024-25 school year with three outstanding high school students.
Each week, local high schools nominate students for their outstanding academic and school achievements and community service. Readers will be able to cast their votes for The Fayetteville Observer Student of the Week between 5 a.m. Monday and noon Thursday every week during the traditional school year. We’ll announce each week’s winner at 5 a.m. Friday.
Scroll to the bottom of the story to vote in the poll, and make sure to read the nominations before you vote. The nominations have been edited for style and grammar.
Toria Council, senior, E.E. Smith High School
Toria Council, a senior, our school’s student body vice president, is the epitome of Golden Bull Pride. She is in the top five of her graduating class; a member of the Magnificent Marching Machine’s Auxiliary; the National Honor Society; the Golden Stars Drama Club; and the CCS’s Evening of Dance. But, what sets her apart is her advocacy for natural hair. She utilized this platform to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award as she presented a panel discussion with members of the community last spring to discuss their hair journey. This young lady is a shining example of patience and perseverance as she lets nothing prevent her from speaking up and achieving her goals.