Vote now: Rockford Register Star Student of the Week, May 13-17

The nominations are in for Rockford Register Star Student of the Week, and now is your chance to vote.

This week's finalists include five students. One is taking a rigorous course load of Advanced Placement classes while undergoing chemotherapy. Another student is polite to all and a model of high academic consistency. A third is a lover of languages. A fourth has her sights set on a career in environmental engineering and a fifth enjoys honing his 3D printing skills.

We publish a list of Student of the Week finalists every Monday at rrstar.com and every Tuesday in the Rockford Register Star. Readers can vote online as many times as they wish until 11 a.m. Thursday.

The winner of the online poll is announced at rrstar.com every Friday and in print Sunday in the Rockford Register Star.

Here are this week's finalists.

Jana Ahmed, Hononegah

Jana Ahmed is student at Hononegah High School. Ahmed's nominator said she has shown incredible optimism, resilience and dedication, especially in the face of immense challenges. Despite facing cancer, Ahmed has remained steadfast in her commitment to her education, taking on a rigorous course load that includes several Advanced Placement classes. Even amidst the most difficult days of chemotherapy, Ahmed has maintained an optimistic outlook and a determination to excel in her studies. Ahmed's sense of humor and infectious smile bring light everywhere she goes, and her perseverance is an inspiration to all who know her.

Bryce Calam, Freeport

Bryce Calam, 17, is a senior at Freeport High School. Calam's nominator describes him as an excellent student and an even better person. A teacher who has had Calam in class for the past three years said the word "consistent" is the word that best describes Calam as he strives to do the best he can on a daily basis. Calam is polite and kind to everyone in the classroom exemplifies what a Freeport Pretzel should be.

Harrison Grimmett, Keith

Harrison Grimmett, 18, is senior at Keith Country Day School. Grimmett's nominator describes him as both a scholar and a gentleman. He is always first to lend a hand in any situation as well as bring fun and joy in all that he does. Grimmett is a positive and active leader and role model for all students. He is a lover of learning languages, particularly Latin, ancient Greek, French, and now Spanish in his spare time. Grimmett is confident, yet humble and gracious to all and is always ready to learn something or experience something new. Grimmett has never met a stranger as he is a friend to all. He has received multiple national Latin exam honors and national recognitions for his skills in Latin. He is a highly active member and secretary of Rockford's "Jack and Jill of America." He was co-captain of the basketball team. He is an active member of Gethsemane Christian Church and plans to attend in the fall Howard University in Washington D.C. where he will major in health sciences.

Sofia Kolkey, Guilford

Sofia Kolkey is a Guilford High School senior. Kolkey has been taking AP classes since her freshman year and has continued to challenge herself throughout high school with rigorous classes, her nominator said. Kolkey is a member of the National Honor Society, the Guilford marching band and a three-sport varsity athlete competing in cross country, bowling and softball. She enjoys volunteering at Noah's Arc Animal Sanctuary and at Lockwood Park. Kolkey plans to study environmental engineering at Purdue University or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Jayden Stone, East

Jayden Stone is a junior in the Production Academy at East High School. Students in the Production Academy can choose between taking classes in the engineering or the construction pathway. Stone is taking classes in both pathways. He is interested in pursuing engineering after high school and goes out of his way to promote 3D printing to peers and staff. Stone uses his home 3D printer to make new things and loves to share his work. Stone's nominator calls him a hands-on learner. Stone has volunteered in tech theater and helped out backstage on "The Wiz." He also likes to bake and brings in things he has made to share with students and staff. Stone plans to attend a college engineering program this summer.

Chris Green is a Rockford Register Star general assignment reporter. He can be reached at 815-987-1241, via email at cgreen@rrstar.com and X @chrisfgreen.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Cast your vote now for Rockford Register Star Student of the Week