A class president who is an accomplished debater and track star. An honors student, who earned volleyball player of the year honors. A scholar and athlete who is a Scout leader and “a positive force.”
Meet the Seacoast Students of the Week for May 13.
Seacoast Students of the Week are nominated by local principals, teachers and guidance counselors and, as you’ll see below, they reflect a broad range of achievements. While their accomplishments are diverse, a common thread among all the nominees is their kindness, and the work they do helping others, serving as role models for other students in their schools. It is our pleasure to introduce you to these outstanding students.
This week’s Seacoast Students of the Week represent Portsmouth, Somersworth and Oyster River high schools.
Here are the Seacoast Students of the Week for May 6, as described by the school leaders who nominated them:
Mariam Nada, senior, Portsmouth High School
When asked to describe herself as a student Mariam Nada wrote: “One that appreciates the profound power of knowledge. I strive to absorb knowledge not only for the sake of academic achievement, but for the enrichment of my mind and the ability to make meaningful contributions to society. This fuels my dedication to continuous learning.”
As a person Mariam is engaging, accepting and comfortable with both peers and adults.
Mariam’s contributions to our school and larger community have been widespread and lasting. She is synonymous with leadership in my mind. She has been elected class president of the student council, is co-president of our Model United Nations Group, an accomplished debater on our debate team and Section A team Captain with both the indoor and outdoor track teams.
She has been instrumental in our Equity Council and is often called upon in the school and larger community to offer workshops related to Equity for teens and marginalized members of our society.
Mariam’s academic achievements are equally as impressive. She has continually enrolled in the most challenging courses available to her and excels across the board. Her desire to learn is nearly insatiable but she is trying to get the most out of her high school career as humanly possible.
Mariam is currently deciding between Fordham University and the University of New Hampshire, where she will major in political science. She is a young woman who is going to accomplish great things and will have a profound impact in any community lucky enough to have her. For these reasons Portsmouth High School is delighted to nominate her for Student of the Week.
Sya McKay, junior, Somersworth High School
Sya is an exceptional student and athlete. She holds herself to the highest academic standards, is a varsity track and volleyball athlete (this year winning division 3 player of the year in volleyball), and plays on our Unified Basketball team in the winter.
In addition to her records of academic and athletic excellence she is an enthusiastic and hardworking member of our Junior Class Council and Somersworth High School’s chapter of the National Honors Society. In service to both of these organizations she contributes large amounts of time volunteering to raise funds for school events and community needs.
Sya is quiet, soft spoken, and modest, which at times makes it easy to overlook all of the amazing things she does for our school community. But, I simply cannot think of a student more deserving of recognition for all of her hard work.
Luke Dimke, senior, Oyster River High School
Luke Dimke is driven to learn as much as he can while he is here and has taken full advantage of all ORHS has to offer. He is able to balance his various activities outside of school like Boy Scouts and sports, with his academic drive. He loves the outdoors and is a true steward of nature. Luke is a quality human being, who works hard and has such a great manner about him which is likeable, confident and easy going. He has used these attributes to excel in his classes. He is kind, compassionate, and respectful to both his classmates and teachers. He has distinguished himself as a passionate and highly skilled writer. We cannot say enough about this amazing student. Without hesitation, he rises to the occasion every time he meets a challenge. He is engaged in classes, asks great questions, and loves to learn! The integrity he shows is exemplary. Luke is a positive force and will excel in his future choices.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seacoast Students of the Week: Meet these accomplished leaders