Clear Creek Amana sophomore Gwen Dao tops the Press-Citizen's Student of the Week poll

Clear Creek Amana sophomore Gwen Dao prevailed in a crowded Iowa City Press-Citizen’s Student of the Week vote,

Dao secured 11,126 votes, or 50.24% of the 22,147 total votes cast. Beth Poe, an Iowa City Regina Catholic High School senior, followed behind, securing 6,853 votes, or 30.94% of the total votes.

Clear Creek Amana principal, Mark Moody, told the Press-Citizen that Dao brings a positive energy to school each daily. Whether she is looking for new opportunities, ways to learn, or people to help, she goes out of her way to help her classmates and teachers. In addition to being a top student, she has helped the yearbook staff despite not being in the class because of her photography hobby outside of school.

This week’s Student of the Week poll included six nominees from across Johnson County. Faculty at area high schools are asked to nominate students for outstanding academic and school achievement and community service.

This week's poll closed Thursday, March 8. A new Student of the Week poll will go live Monday, March 11.

More: Clear Creek Amana junior Brock Hillsman tops the Press-Citizen's student of the week vote

Here were the nominees this week:

James Meggitt, Iowa City High School

James Meggitt is a senior at Iowa City High and a leader at the school, particularly in the realm of robotics. Meggitt's unwavering commitment to excellence has earned him widespread admiration among his peers and teachers. This past weekend, Meggitt competed at the State Robotics Tournament.

Beth Poe, Iowa City Regina Catholic High School

Beth Poe is a senior at Regina Catholic High School and is a talented actress. Recently, she starred in Regina's production of "Hello Dolly!" with her exceptional talent and dedication, captivating audiences with her performance.

Amanti Robinson, Tate High School

Amanti Robinson is a senior at Tate High School who demonstrates a great work ethic, cares about her grades and has good attendance while showing maturity and leadership within the building. Robinson will receive a Classroom Honors this trimester ? an award for having good grades.

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Leela Strand, Iowa City Liberty High School

Leela Strandis is a senior at Iowa City Liberty High School. Strand is being recognized as a 2024 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and is progressing through the program as a finalist. In addition to excelling in four Advanced Placement (AP) courses, she is highly involved and successful in the journalism program at Liberty. She has also earned a 4.4 cumulative GPA while being a varsity player on the girl's tennis team.

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Anna Song, Iowa City West High School

Anna Song is a talented violinist and a current junior at Iowa City West High School. Song was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall with the WorldStrides National Honors Orchestra, conducted by Jason Seber this past February. Song was nominated to perform and chosen from many applicants across the country to perform with this select group and was additionally selected as a concertmaster and soloist for the orchestra.

Do you want your student to be considered as Student of the Week? Ask your principal to send nominees to [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Clear Creek Amana's Gwen Dao is the Press-Citizen's latest Student of the Week