05-05-2025
Vote for IndyStar Student of the Week for May 5-9
Each week, readers vote on central Indiana students who were nominated by their schools for their excellence in the classroom and beyond.
Readers can vote for their favorite student throughout the week at the bottom of this story on with polling closing at noon on Thursday, May 8. Winners will be announced Friday.
This contest aims to introduce readers not just to the student who winds up winning but to all of the highly accomplished nominees.
Here's what nominating school leaders had to say about this week's nominees:
Gabby Deer is an active and engaged participant in class, demonstrating strong leadership skills that inspire her peers. What truly sets her apart is her genuine care and concern for those around her. She consistently goes out of her way to offer support, encouraging others to recognize and embrace their strengths. Gabby's positive influence fosters a sense of confidence and community in the classroom, making her an invaluable presence. Her kindness and leadership are appreciated by everyone with whom she interacts.
Gurshan is a creative prodigy! Between his dual credit creative writing pieces, the fantasy novel he is writing on his own, or the YouTube channels he creates, Singh makes learning cool. I am so proud of not only his intellectual curiosity, but also how kind he is to his peers. His positive energy in the classroom is contagious, and the school clubs he is involved in thrive because of his leadership.
Uriel Cabrera is the salutatorian for the class of 2025. He wants to be a surgeon after graduation. He loves helping people, and surgery has always seemed so challenging and special to him. He is a leader in the school and is passionate about his education. We are nominating him because he represents what it means to be a Giant. He is making giant strides every day to make the world a better place.
Roncalli Nutrition teacher Jeff Richardson states, "Callie is a wonderful student! Always receptive to any new ideas and an overall pleasure to be in class with!" A high degree of participation in learning activities, encouragement and support of school activities are also cited.
Naomi is a three-year member of Student Publications, was yearbook editor last year, and is editor-in-chief this year. She is a three-year member of the Student Council and co-president this year. Naomi has done outstanding work in MBassadors (Advanced Choir) and MProv (vocal Jazz). She volunteers at Poston Road, South, and Smith Elementary Schools in various capacities, as well as helping build a house with the M.H.S. Habitat for Humanity Build. She performed as Ronette in our AWESOME musical "Little Shop of Horrors" and has performed with M.H.S. Madrigals. Naomi plans to obtain a master's degree in communication and become an investigative journalist. Our staff appreciates her kindness, selflessness, always helping, and her drive.
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Brody has made tremendous progress in his second year at SHS. He tells great jokes and makes us laugh every day. Additionally, he helps our in-school food pantry, Sparky's Closet. He works tirelessly to move items from delivery trucks to storage inside the school. Then, twice a month, he assists with doing a food distribution to local families as they drive up to the school. He helps to make this program a success along with his teacher, Courtney Wilkerson.
Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@ Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Vote for IndyStar Student of the Week for May 5-9
