Meet the Oct. 18 Wisconsin Student of the Week

Our third statewide Student of the Week poll has closed, and this week our first underclassman took top awards.

When started the Student of the Week initiative, it had three separate programs: one in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, one in The Post-Crescent in Appleton and one in the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Now, students from all across the state can be nominated and vie to become Student of the Week in a statewide poll.

This week, both our contestants were Green Bay-area students nominated for their actions in the classroom. Keep reading to find out which one won and how you can participate in our weekly statewide Student of the Week contest. Thanks to all who voted.

Noelle Nichols, Bay Port High School, grade 9

This week, Noelle Nichols was the clear winner, with 73% of the 201 votes. The runner-up was Yamir Ruvalcaba Olea, a junior at Notre Dame Academy, who received 27%.

When nominating Nichols, technology teacher Joshua Ericson said she was a "problem solver and very polite,"who goes out of her way to help other students.

"While the students were working in groups, I overheard Noelle asking if the other group needed help. When the group did need help, she sat with them and clarified the instructions for them," Ericson wrote.

"Since the first day of school, she has been a model student," he added.

About Student of the Week

High school students are nominated for Student of the Week by principals, teachers, youth organizations and others who work with teens. Voting is open each week from 5 a.m. Monday until noon Thursday with polls at jsonline.com, postcrescent.com and greenbaypressgazette.com.

Do you work with youth and know a high school student fit to be Student of the Week? Email statewide education editor Debi Young at to receive a link to the nomination form.

Rebecca Loroff is a K-12 education reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. She welcomes story tips and feedback. at 920-907-7801 or