Congrats to Rhiannon Novick of Burncoat High, winner of T&G Student of the Week

The votes are in, and Rhiannon Novick, a senior at Burncoat High School in Worcester, gets the nod as the latest Telegram & Gazette Student of the Week.

Rhiannon, a standout student-athlete, finished atop a field of eight nominees. She captured 37% of the total votes.

The school Guidance Department nominated Rhiannon, saying she is the epitome of Patriot Pride, mixing athletics (three sports) with leadership off the field.

"She is always a team player who volunteers to be put in “whatever event is needed” and is the first one to offer help to anyone in need," guidance counselors wrote. "She is a positive role model to all of our athletes. Rhiannon is also a part of GSA and Outdoors Club where she continues to mentor all students with past life experiences and future goals. In doing all of this, she still finds time to take multiple AP classes per year while in the dual language program where she will be awarded the seal of biliteracy in Spanish at graduation. Her academics are unparalleled; she’s in the Top 10 of her class. She is one of the most well-rounded, kind and caring human beings."

The T&G asked high school principals, teachers and guidance counselors to nominate students they say have shown outstanding academic and school achievement and community service.

Besides Rhiannon, other students considered for the Student of the Week were:

Kimberly Argueta, South High Community School: The South High junior has experienced a lot of adversity in her life and has remained resilient. Kim has made astronomical progress and is now a model student. She is earning community service by going to the LifeSkills program and doing hair and nails for the girls there.

Laura Coderre, South High Community School: Laura, a senior, is a member of the Goddard Scholars Academy and is set to complete her 10th AP course by graduation. She is a lead member of the school's WGBH High School Quiz Show team. She also is an active member of varsity field hockey, varsity tennis, math team, and robotics team. And she's simply a great kid!

Jade Hill, Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School: Jade, a junior, consistently achieves at high levels in a very rigorous high school program of study. She is also recognized for her strength of character, especially for her reliability and her willingness to help others. But don't mistake her kindness for weakness — she is also fiercely competitive, as a dancer, soccer player and first baseman.

Estella LeBlanc, Fitchburg High School: Estella is a regional leader for Project 351, having received a citation from the State House for her work. She has made over 3,000 care packages for veterans, collected thousands of dollars in supplies, and aided individuals all over Massachusetts. Estella is the founder of the nonprofit organization Crochet for Kids. She and a team of teen crocheters create items and sell them online for charity. All the profits are donated to Boston Children’s Hospital, which aligns with her desire to pursue a career in pediatrics. Estella will be attending Harvard University in the fall.

Kelvin Fuentes Lopez, Gerald Creamer Center, Worcester: Kelvin was born in Venezuela, but lived in Colombia for most of his life. He works full time to support his little brother and his mother. Kelvin has learned English in a short period. Despite being homeless for some time, arriving at a new school and having to take on adult-like roles, Kelvin continues to come to school each day with a smile on his face.

Erin Mulcahy, Oxford High School: Erin, a Certified Nurses Aid student at Oxford High, demonstrates exceptional commitment to patient care and has learned how to do so very quickly. Excelling academically and in practice, Erin's proficiency in the CNA program is notable. She exhibits excellent skills in elderly care, possesses extensive knowledge of body processes and adeptly meets resident needs. Always prepared, Erin, a junior, is poised for success in health care.

Andrew Tran, Claremont Academy, Worcester: Andrew, a freshman, is an excellent student with a strong work ethic. He is able to manage multiple responsibilities and is the first to willingly assist peers. He is an active participant in National Honor Society, the Culture & Climate Committee and Project 351, a youth-led service based organization committed to making a difference in schools and communities.

The T&G Student of the Week poll will take a vacation during school vacation week. The next poll will launch on Feb. 26.

Last week Congrats to Kaius Monson of Oxford High, winner of Student of the Week

Are you a school principal, teacher or guidance counselor seeking to nominate someone for Student of the Week? Drop us an email at studentoftheweek@telegram.com. More info here.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: T&G Student of the Week: Shining spotlight on high achievers. Vote now