Vote for IndyStar Student of the Week for April 14 -18

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 IndyStar.com, with polling closing at noon on Thursday, April 17. 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:

Isaac Summers, a senior at Guerin Catholic High School

Isaac Summers consistently demonstrates maturity and respect for others. He balances academic excellence with a vibrant social life, demonstrating that success doesn’t require sacrificing personal connections. Isaac is dedicated to fully understanding what he learns and brings joy to the process, inspiring those around him. He is a natural leader, helping classmates without seeking recognition, and his compassion is evident in everything he does. Isaac excels in managing academics, extracurriculars, and leadership roles, and his determination will make him successful in any field he pursues, particularly in his love for science.

Gema Geisking, a sophmore at Franklin Central High School

Gema is a leader in the classroom who not only completes exceptional work but helps others in their understanding. Gema engages in and promotes class discussions with her insightful contributions while encouraging those around her.

Maelyn Cooper, a sophmore at Mooresville High School

Maelyn has earned a 3.9 GPA while enrolled in rigorous classes. Beyond academics, Maelyn is a role model for her peers. She contributes to a welcoming and inclusive school environment. Maelyn has shown great leadership skills as an executive board member of Best Buddies. She recently spearheaded a Unified Cheer team for MHS. She pitched the program to the athletic director, organized/led practices and performed a special performance at homecoming. Maelyn also participates as 2nd chair in the district honor band, 1st chair/section leader in concert band and a soloist for marching band. She is captain for basketball cheer, and participates in FCA, Spanish Club, Unified Bowling, Key Club, Pep Band, and Unified Track. Maelyn embodies the qualities of an exemplary student—hardworking, responsible, and compassionate.

Binyame Samuel, a senior at Ben Davis High School.

Binyame Samuel is his class valedictorian. He is a member of the Business Professionals of America, Cross Country, Track and Field, and the Indiana CPA Society. He achieved a Top 10 placement at BPA Nationals in Advanced Accounting, a Top 3 ranking at BPA State in Financial Analyst Team, and Gold Status at the IASP Individual State Competition with a perfect score. He was also the lead speller for the Indiana Academic Spell Bowl. Binyame wants to become a managing partner at a prestigious Big Four accounting firm like Deloitte.

Bruce Odom, a senior at Indianapolis Metropolitan High School

Bruce has spent his entire high school career here with us at Indy Met and truly embodies and upholds our P.U.M.A. Promise. Bruce is a student athlete, playing Varsity Basketball, and remains professional and poised in his dealings. If you catch Bruce on the basketball court playing unstoppable defense or in the front of the classroom, Bruce makes it his business to do his work with passion and continues until completion. His level of motivation is infectious and he often encourages those around him to practice more, practice harder, complete their work, ‘lock-in’ and focus. Lastly, Bruce is an accountable young man who has a bright future ahead of him. He’s committed both his academic excellence and athleticism to Blackhawk Technical College, Janesville, WI for Fall 2025. Way to go Bruce!!

Josie Agresta, a junior at Roncalli High School

Roncalli English teacher Jesse Moses states “Josie brings an infectious joy to the classroom, always willing to participate in class discussion while setting a good example for her peers. She remains diligent and on-task in her studies and continues to strive forward.” A high degree of participation and concern for the welfare of others are also cited.

Kendall Cragen, a senior at Martinsville High School

Kendall is Vice President of the Senior Class of 2025 and was Vice President her Sophomore and Junior years as well. She is Co-President of the M.H.S. “Red Blue Crew” and has been part of this club since her Freshman year. She is a member of the Martinsville High School Girls’ Tennis Team and is also active in many other clubs such as Key Club, National Honor Society, Interact Club, Student Council, and Riley Dance Marathon. Kendall has been a member of Martinsville High School F.F.A. for four years and has held two Officer positions – Reporter in 2023-2024 and Treasurer in 2024-2025. She has shown pigs in 4-H for 10 years and won numerous awards. Kendall’s Teachers appreciate her terrific positive attitude, her tremendous work ethic, her conscientiousness, and her drive to succeed and reach her potential.

Titus Henson, a senior at Lawrence North High School

Titus Henson is an outstanding top-30 GPA student on track to earn both an academic and technical honors diploma. He is an exceptional orchestra performer and a dedicated cross-country runner. In addition to his athletic and musical talents, Titus is actively involved in various clubs and service organizations. His hard work and commitment have earned him several prestigious awards, reflecting his dedication to excellence. Titus embodies leadership and serves as an inspiration to the student body. I wholeheartedly nominate Titus for Student of the Week—he truly deserves this recognition.

Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Vote for IndyStar Student of the Week for April 14 -18