Costa staff nominates “Students of the Year”

By Alex Wyckoff
Staff Writer

Mira Costa teachers nominated five seniors on April 4 for the 2014 “Student of the Year” award.

The nominees, Phillip Abdoo, Emily Everhard, Matt Jones, Stefan Palombo and Matt Stern, were chosen based on their academic qualifications, co-curricular activities and citizenship.

“Well-rounded means being involved in clubs, extracurriculars, sports and volunteer work,” Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale said.

Each teacher nominated three students from the top 10 percent of the senior class. The five nominees received the most votes from the teachers.

“We should be able to say that he or she represents the best of what we are,” Dale said.

Aside from demonstrating academic excellence, all five nominees stood out for their leadership and involvement on campus.

Abdoo serves as the student board member for Associated Student Body. Everhard and Stern are news editors for Mustang Morning News. Matt Jones is an under secretary-general for Model United Nations and a member of varsity volleyball, and Palombo is president of Paws for a Cause Club.

After the nominees were selected, they were required to complete a brag sheet in which they listed their school activities, community service work and college plans so that each department can make an informed vote.

“I hope that I was nominated because our faculty feels that I have made a positive impact,” Abdoo said.

Departments are still ranking their top choice among the nominees. The student who receives the most department votes will win “Student of the Year,” which will be announced on May 28 at the All Awards Assembly.

“It’s so nice to know that I’ve touched teachers here,” Everhard said. “I am so happy to share this nomination with others.”