Lanier senior Cinkerria Williams wins Montgomery Advertiser Student of the Week
The Montgomery Advertiser Student of the Week celebrates all the ways youth are contributing to our community, from starting their own businesses to creating award-winning art and placing first in science competitions.
The initiative highlights many of the academic and service-based accomplishments that high school students are achieving in the greater Montgomery area.
This week's winner is Sidney Lanier High School senior Cinkerria Williams.
Cinkerria's journey to the finish line this May is a testament to her remarkable resilience and indomitable spirit, according to school leaders. Faced with numerous obstacles along the way, she has demonstrated an extraordinary level of persistence, never allowing challenges to deter her from her goals.
One of Cinkerria's teachers said what sets her apart is her ever-present pleasant smile, "a symbol of her innate positivity that illuminates even the toughest situations." Lanier leaders said her unwavering positive outlook has not only propelled her forward through personal and academic trials but has also made her a beacon of hope and encouragement for those around her.
Cinkerria's ability to maintain her positivity, regardless of the circumstances, serves as "a powerful reminder that our attitude can significantly impact both our journey and the lives of those we touch," a Lanier administrator wrote.
Congratulations, Cinkerria!
School administrators, guidance counselors and high school teachers from across Montgomery, Elmore and Autauga counties send in weekly nominations of their top students, and readers get to pick the best of the best. This week's poll will be open from the morning of Monday, April 22 until noon on Thursday, April 25.
New polls and nominees will be announced every week. If your school didn't nominate a student, there's always next week. Every public and private high school in the River Region is eligible to nominate one student a week who is exemplifying success in academics and community involvement.
The Advertiser also allows students to be re-nominated if they don't win the first week they are nominated.
Cinkerria was up against a number of impressive students for the honor this week.
The other nominees were:
Danny Wayne Henderson, Success Unlimited Academy: A senior at Success Unlimited Academy, Danny is a member of the National Honor Society, a football player and a two-time school winner of the school oratorical contest. He represented Success twice in the state AISA Oratorical Competition and was a member of the 2023-24 Homecoming Court. He has been a member of the school media team and a valuable crew member of the theatre productions. On top of that, Danny serves as a Mustang Ambassador, representing SUA in school and community events.
Sippi Aaij, Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School: Senior Sippi Aaij does an incredible amount to show support for her fellow students, according to LAMP leadership, and she also is a leader in the community. Her work as a Girl Scout has garnered her recognition for achieving the Gold Award. For her project, she installed and maintained LAMP's pollinator garden. She is also an Eagle Scout, and she helped provide an outdoor classroom space at LAMP during the pandemic for her Eagle project. Sippi is also the editor of the yearbook and the German Club president.
Kathryn Reardon, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School: Kathryn is a remarkable student who has attended Montgomery Catholic since Kindergarten. As a member of the National Honor Society with a stellar GPA of 4.05, her high school achievements speak volumes about her character. Her leadership skills shine through her role as the House Leadership Senior Representative, and her athletic skill is equally impressive as the varsity volleyball captain and a member of the varsity basketball and varsity tennis teams. Her involvement in various clubs, including the Young Women's Leadership Club, Pro-Life Club and the MCPS Hiking Club, showcases her multifaceted interests and participation in our school community. Kathryn's dedication to service is evident through her volunteer work at the Children's Center of Montgomery, helping out at Breakfast for Babies, contributing to multiple sports camps and being a part of cleanup at YMCA Camp Grandview. Kathryn's journey continues as she plans to pursue a degree in Kinesiology at Auburn University in the fall.
Hadley Hitson covers children's health, education and welfare for the Montgomery Advertiser. She can be reached at hhitson@gannett.com. To support her work, subscribe to the Advertiser.
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Advertiser names new Student of the Week: Lanier's Cinkerria Williams
