It’s Knox News student of the week time again – another chance to honor a couple of outstanding local high school students for their impressive academic accomplishments and involvement with school groups.
Similarly to our Knox News athlete of the week polls for high school athletes, Knox News student of the week is the same kind of recognition for local high school students, but this time based on their achievements in academics, clubs, leadership roles and extracurriculars.
Now that schools have named their nominees for the week, it’s your turn to decide who comes out on top by voting in the poll below between Monday morning and noon Thursday. Please feel free to share the poll and encourage everyone at your school and in your community to vote.
The winner will be announced online Friday, and in Sunday’s print edition – and the next poll with the next round of great student nominees will go up online the next Monday.
Below you’ll find the students nominated for this week’s poll. Read all about their accomplishments and honors, and then cast your vote.
And if you’d like your student’s school to join in, encourage them to participate next time by nominating a Knox News student of the week candidate if they aren’t already!
Faith Hanshaw, Heritage High School
Hanshaw, a senior at Heritage High School, is described in the nomination as “an outstanding person” who “consistently welcomes those around her and is positive in all of her daily interactions with others.”
She is treasurer of the National Honor Society and a member of the National Society for High School Scholars, National Senior Beta Club and the Envirothon team. Hanshaw placed first in the Roane State Academic Festival Science Bowl in 2024, and has earned academic letters in AP psychology, honors geometry, science, honors English II, science and social studies.
She has been honored by the College Board’s National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, and as Heritage’s student of the month and student of distinction. She was champion of ninth-grade science in the State National Beta Convention, and earned the Bronze Patrick Henry medal for winning the regional oratorical competition.
Sydney Herrell, Clinton High School
Herrell is a senior at Clinton High School, as well as a student at Roane State Community College, according to her nomination.
A 4.0+ student athlete and volunteer, she is a member of the girls basketball team and volunteers with the school’s special education (CDC) students.
This poll closes at noon Thursday.