The votes are in: Ashley's Eller named StarNews Student of the Week
The votes are in!!
Jackson Eller, a student at Ashley High School, is the StarNews Student of the Week.
Principal Michael Perez nominated Eller who led the Ashley Eagles to their second win of the season. “He set the school passing record for (touchdowns) in one game (6),” Perez wrote. “Eller found Caleb Allen on a low red zone slant, Landon Harrleson on a 75-yard seam, Dolan Davis on a 25-yard post route, Dolan Davis on a 55-yard double move, and Zack Hall on a 20-yard TE pop pass. Eller finished 13-15 with 219 Yards, and the Eagles are now 2-0.”
According to the results, Eller earned the top spot, taking 5,755 of the 7,616 votes cast in the poll.
The StarNews asked principals, teachers and guidance counselors from across the area to participate in the Student of the Week program by sending nominations.
The readers got to pick the best of the best in our polls.
In addition to Eller, the following students were nominated by principals or staff members at their schools:
Audrey Sherman, Cape Fear Academy
Leigh Ann Hodges, director of college counseling at Cape Fear Academy, nominated Audrey Sherman on behalf of the school. “She is a volunteer at New Hanover Regional Medical Center Hospital in the pediatric center and also works as a hostess at the Cambridge Village Senior Living Community,” Hodges wrote. “Her care for others is evident as she prepares to pursue a nursing career after college. Audrey's dedication extends beyond her love for people, but also on the soccer field. She is a starter for Cape Fear Academy Varsity Girls' Soccer and was a pivotal player in the state championship game last season. She carries her strong midfielder skills to the Wilmington Hammerheads ECNL Club.”
Jordan Wallace, Wilmington Early College High School
Principal Regina Wooten submitted a nomination for Jordan Wallace, citing his commitment to the school community. “Jordan worked over the summer to work behind the scenes to bring the Student Government Association back to life,” Wooten wrote. “He made a list of improvements needed for students to be able to have a year that was not only filled with academics, but also fun activities. Jordan has a kind spirit and a great rapport with all students. His dedication to the school and the entire student body is commendable and showcases his efforts as a student leader.”
Mackenzie Ward, West Brunswick High School
Teacher Kelly Richardson nominated Mackenzie Ward, noting she “always has a smile on her face.” “She is a rockstar student in and out of the classroom,” Richardson wrote. “Mackenzie challenges herself by taking AP classes, and she excels and is the most disciplined student that I teach. She is always respectful and caring to her classmates. Mackenzie serves as the 2024-2025 West Brunswick FFA Sentinel. She is a very active part of our chapter as she competes in events, attends leadership conferences, works in community service events, and pretty much anything else she is asked to be a part of. She is truly one to watch and a role model for other students!"
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: StarNews Student of the Week Sept. 9