Updated Oct. 19, 2026, 3:37 p.m. ET
Welcome back to the Lee County High School Student of the Week poll!
During the 2026-27 school year, The News-Press, in collaboration with Lee County principals, will recognize the outstanding high school students in the region and highlight their accomplishments.
Nominees are announced on Mondays with the an interactive poll (below) for voting. The poll remains open until 5 p.m. on this Thursday (Oct. 22). The Student of the Week winner is announced this Friday (Oct. 21).
Good luck to all of the outstanding nominees!
Mahi Patel-Canterbury School
Mahi Patel, a Class of 2027 student at Canterbury School, is making her mark through academic excellence, statewide leadership, and dedicated community service. A “Canterbury lifer,” Mahi maintains a top-tier academic record, serves in multiple honor societies, and aspires to attend a leading university. Her leadership extends far beyond the classroom: as a Florida DECA State Officer, she mentors students across more than 190 chapters statewide, helping them prepare for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
Mahi’s commitment to service earned her the prestigious Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award for completing over 250 hours of community service in a single year. She serves through many organizations, frequently with CLEO, a national organization that empowers senior citizens by teaching them how to navigate modern technology.
On campus, Mahi leads by example as captain of the varsity volleyball team and a key player on the beach volleyball squad. Known for her joyful personality and relentless work ethic, Mahi embodies the spirit of student leadership both on and off the court. We are Canterbury proud of you, Mahi!
Taylor Fox is a remarkable tenth grade student at Evangelical Christian School (ECS) who is described by her teachers as both “brilliant and kind.” Her dedication to academics, school activities, church, and community service reflects the positive impact she has on those around her.
At ECS, Taylor is actively involved in Girls Bible Study, Math Club, Varsity Swim & Dive, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Brain Bowl, and the Spring Musical. Outside of school, she serves her church by leading worship and helping with ushering. She also gives back to her community by volunteering at the Midwest Food Bank.
Looking ahead, Taylor plans to attend college and is considering pursuing a career in the medical field. When she is not busy with her many activities, Taylor enjoys swimming for fun, reading, and spending time playing games with her friends.
Taylor’s intelligence, kindness, servant’s heart, and willingness to get involved make her a wonderful representative of ECS. She is truly a valued member of the Sentinel family and a tremendous asset to her school and community.
Zander Pawlowski-Fort Myers High School
FMHS is proud to nominate, Zander Pawlowski for Student of the Week! He received multiple nominations from his peers and teachers and he is an exceptional representative of the Greenwave. Zander stands out for his impressive academic dedication, leadership, and outstanding character. Maintaining a stellar 4.2 GPA while excelling in weightlifting, he exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated student-athlete. In the classroom, Zander actively contributes to a safe learning environment, approaches setbacks with a growth mindset, and courageously stands up against bullying. Beyond his personal success, Zander is a natural leader who uses his experience to coach, encourage, and elevate those around him with empathy and kindness. Whether collaborating in group work or leading in the weight room, his drive, integrity, and positive presence truly enrich our entire school community. Congratulations, Zander, we are so proud of you! Go Greenies!
Macy Kmieciak-Bonita Springs High School
Macy Kmieciak is an exceptional student who embodies academic excellence, leadership, dedication, and compassion. With an impressive weighted GPA of 5.18, she consistently challenges herself academically while seeking opportunities to prepare for success beyond high school. Since her junior year, Macy has participated in Bonita Springs High School’s FGCU Collegiate Program, taking full-time dual-enrollment courses on the Florida Gulf Coast University campus. This experience requires a high level of academic maturity, independence, organization, and time management, all of which Macy demonstrates. Her dedication has earned her a place on FGCU’s Dean’s List, maintaining a cumulative college GPA between 3.5 and 3.99 during the 2025–2026 school year.
Despite the demands of her college coursework, Macy remains actively involved in her high school community. As senior class secretary in the Student Government Association, she contributes to student leadership and helps support activities that bring students together. She is also an enthusiastic member of the cheer team, demonstrating her commitment to school spirit, teamwork, and representing Bonita Springs High School with pride. Balancing full-time college coursework with leadership responsibilities and extracurricular involvement is a significant accomplishment, yet Macy approaches each commitment with determination, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.
What makes Macy especially deserving of recognition is that her accomplishments extend well beyond academics. She is a genuinely kind, caring, and compassionate young woman who treats others with respect and contributes positively to the school community. Macy has the initiative to pursue challenging opportunities, the perseverance to succeed when expectations are high, and the maturity to balance multiple responsibilities while remaining engaged in her school community. She sets an outstanding example for her peers by demonstrating that success is built through hard work, thoughtful choices, and a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected.
Macy represents the very best of Bonita Springs High School. Her academic achievements, leadership, school involvement, and exceptional character make her a wonderful role model for her peers. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and look forward to seeing the continued success that lies ahead for her. Macy is truly deserving of recognition as the News-Press Student of the Week.
Mason Kurtz-Cypress Lake High School
Mason Kurtz has made the most of his high school experience at Cypress Lake High School, excelling in the classroom, on the field and throughout his school community. With a 5.02 GPA, Mason ranks among the top 3% of his class while completing rigorous AP, AICE, and dual enrollment courses. A three-sport varsity athlete and football captain, he also served as Junior Class President and participates in National Honor Society, Leadership Council, and Unified Sports. With multiple football offers, Mason hopes to continue his athletic career while pursuing his goal of becoming a physical therapist.
Shourigna Madishetty-Dunbar High School
Dunbar High School is proud to nominate senior student, Shourigna Madishetty, for this week’s News Press Student of the Week! Shourigna founded Dunbar’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) chapter, growing the chapter to 23 members over the last two years. Most recently, 5 members of the chapters qualified for the State competition! Additionally, Shourigna is the Math Team President, and she founded and supports a middle school science fair mentorship program in which two students captured 1st and 2nd place at last year’s Edison Regional Fair. Shourigna has earned an impressive 5.22 GPA, through her dedication to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and University of Florida Dual Enrollment participation. Shourigna plans to attend a university and study Computer Science. Way to go, Shourigna!
Emma Luken-Estero High School
We are honored to nominate Emma Luken, an outstanding senior in the Class of 2027 at Estero High School, for the School District of Lee County High School Student of the week. Defined by her discipline, hard work, and resilience, Emma exemplifies academic excellence through earning her Cambridge AICE Diploma during her junior year, consistently achieving Honor Roll recognition across all four years, and maintaining active membership in the National Honor Society. Pushing herself to the highest academic standard, she participates in part-time dual enrollment through Florida SouthWestern State College while concurrently taking the most rigorous AICE and honors courses on our school campus. In addition to her studies, Emma is a standout campus leader, serving as President of the Pathways Club following two years as Secretary, representing her peers as a Freshman Representative in Student Government, and dedicating four full years as an active member of the Spirit Club, Best Buddies, and Interact Club.
Emma’s strong work ethic extends seamlessly into her athletic pursuits and community engagement. A well-rounded athlete with 13 years of competitive dance experience, she has represented Estero High School on the Varsity Lacrosse team for three years, cheered Junior Varsity as a sophomore, and earned her spot on the Varsity Cheer team for both her junior and senior years. Her commitment to helping others shines through her four years with the Estero High School Interact Club, where she devotes two hours each week to community service projects, as well as her work guiding young campers at Summit Sports Camp each summer. Furthermore, when the local Southwest Florida community needed support following the devastation of Hurricane Ian in 2022, Emma stepped up to provide a full week of hurricane relief service through Ocean Church.
Approaching every endeavor with an inquisitive mind and a commitment to giving 110% effort, Emma balances her rigorous schedule with creative passions such as painting, reading, and playing musical instruments. Looking toward the future, she plans to attend a four-year college or university to pursue a career in business and entrepreneurship, an ambition she has actively prepared for by participating in the Lead-Her-Ship Conference for women in entrepreneurship. Holding an exceptional weighted GPA of 4.99, Emma Luken’s character, leadership, and unwavering dedication to her school and community make her an outstanding candidate for student of the week.
VOTE! Lee County High School Student of the Week
Mark H. Bickel is the Audience Development Director for The News-Press & Naples Daily News. Reach him by emailing mbickel@usatoday.com.