It’s time to cast your vote for our next Dispatch Student of the Week.

Vote in the poll below before noon on Thursday to recognize an outstanding local high school student.

Participating high school principals, teachers and guidance counselors nominated students they say have shown outstanding academic and school achievement and community service.

We will announce the winner and runner-up on Friday.

To cast a vote, visit the poll at the bottom of the list of nominees.

If you can’t see the ballot when you scroll to the bottom of this story, try refreshing the link or clearing the cache in your browser. Voters can cast one vote per hour per device. You do not have to be a subscriber to vote.

Please be aware: The Dispatch’s voting system recognizes only one vote per WiFi IP address, so consider taking your phone off WiFi to vote each hour if you’re sharing it with multiple people.

The nominees for Nov. 8:

Clay Carr, New Albany High School: “Clay Carr is known for his kindness and is seen as a leader among his New Albany High School peers. Clay has a strong academic record with a 3.7 GPA and is a dedicated athlete, having earned letters in both football and lacrosse for three years. He actively contributes to his community, through volunteering with the New Albany Special Olympics and youth programs, where he helps athletes with disabilities develop their skills and confidence. His involvement fosters a sense of inclusion and empowerment while allowing him to mentor younger participants, encouraging them to pursue their goals. He is currently engaged in a Senior Seminar project focused on personal development in lifting and speed training. His commitment to academics, athletics, and community service highlights his well-rounded character and his passion for self-improvement and the growth of others.”

Ashlynn Carder, Lakewood High School: “Ashlyn Carder is the Columbus Dispatch Student Student of the Week nominee for Lakewood High School in Hebron. Ashlyn is a sophomore honors student who maintains a 4.0 GPA. She is on the LHS golf and basketball teams and a member of the Lakewood Lancer Band. Outside of school, Ashlyn shows horses for 4-H.”

Freud Vernal, Westerville North High School: “Despite fleeing hardships in Haiti, leaving behind his parents to stay with family in Quebec, Canada, then finally settling in Ohio, Freud Vernal is a student who is deeply passionate about his school work and succeeding in high school. He is only sixteen years old and is currently in his senior year, sporting a 4.1 GPA. Previously when Vernal lived outside of the country he did Karate, played various instruments such as the guitar and the piano, and was even selected to do a radio broadcast in Haiti, and now he attends Interact club and Chess club at Westerville North High school. He is passionate about drawing, music, and has recently taken up writing. Vernal is currently taking advanced classes such as AP Government and Honors Chemistry. He likes challenging himself, saying, “[When] I came from Quebec, there were classes that I needed to take and were an hour [long], and I [complained] about that because there were more challenging classes that I wanted to take.” Overall, Vernal likes reading and writing and is very interested in literature and also speaks three languages; French, Croatian, and English. One day, Vernal wants to start his own company and be the one in charge.”

Thomas Dougherty, St. Francis DeSales High School: “Thomas Dougherty has been sharing his creative talents with our community this fall in a variety of ways. He is a member of the SFD Marching Band, an actor in the Fall Play, and currently in Graphic Design III, which is instrumental in putting together the student magazine, The Quill.”

Kayla Bozman, London High School: “Kayla Bozman is known for her bright smile and maturity beyond her years. Kayla attends Tolles Career and Technical Center, where she studies Cosmetology, and completes her internship at Penzone Salon. In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Kayla is a member of the National Society. She has already earned the following graduation seals: Citizenship, Science, Student Engagement, and an Industry-Recognized Credential Seal. Kayla plans to attend college, focusing on Business and Marketing, while continuing to work as a cosmetologist.”