Help us choose the next Des Moines area Student of the Week
Each week, principals and other school staff in the Des Moines area nominate excellent high schoolers for our Student of the Week program.
Like the Des Moines Register's popular Athlete of the Week, this series highlights successes in academics and extracurriculars. Staff from schools in Polk, Dallas and Warren counties are asked each week to nominate a student they think rises to the occasion.
We turn to the public for help choosing that week's winner.
The public can vote on this week's Student of the Week contest through noon on Thursday, April 25. The winner will be announced April 26.
Here are this week's finalists:
Samantha 'Sam' Bussanmas, Norwalk High School
Samantha "Sam" Bussanmas is a senior at Norwalk High School and last week won the Little Hawkeye All-Conference in acrylic and oil category with her drawing of a lion. She also received two scholastic gold keys for an acrylic painting called "insecurities." She also was the Norwalk senior award winner for 2024. Sam has amazed us throughout high school with her amazing works of art.
— Marla Frantum, assistant principal
Maryann Hart, Martensdale-St. Marys Jr./Sr. High School
On behalf of the faculty and staff of Martensdale-St. Marys Jr./Sr. High School, I submit 11th grade student Maryann Hart for consideration for the Register's Student of the Week. According to Heather Nichols, our Student Success Coordinator, "Maryann is a four sport athlete, she is a member of Best Buddies, National Honor Society, a tutor, and holds down a job. Maryann is a role model to underclassmen and younger students. She shows responsibility and accountability for herself and her actions. Maryann works hard in and out of the classroom to be a good student and person to others. Maryann is active in other groups outside of school, including an active member of the junior class that is working on making post prom a safe and fun place for students. Maryann is respectful to others at all times and is always helpful to others."
— Joshua D. Moser, principal
Patrick Lee, ADM High School
Patrick received a distinctive honor when he found out from his high school counselor that he is among the less than one percent of 1.5 million students across the country who earned a perfect PSAT/NMSQT score this school year. Patrick is a well-rounded student who participates in Band, Cross-Country and more. His ADM teachers are so proud of him and this huge accomplishment.
— Melonie Gill-Carreon, counselor
About Student of the Week
This is a weekly contest. Polls will open on Mondays and close on Thursdays. Students from public and private high schools in the Des Moines area are eligible to participate.
Do you want your student to be considered as Student of the Week? Ask your principal to contact studentoftheweek@dmreg.com.
Chris Higgins covers the eastern and northern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Help us choose the next Des Moines area Student of the Week
