Delaware Student of the Week is a future educator within Middletown High

And then there was another student to spotlight.

Delaware Online/The News Journal is running a new initiative to recognize achievements of high school students across the state through reader voting. This "Delaware Student of the Week" honor looks to highlight academic excellence, extracurricular activities, volunteerism, perseverance and more attributes that make up the lives of so many young scholars.

School principals and other educators sent in nominations — while readers, like you, handled the rest. So in this round, who is our Delaware Student of the Week?

That's Kennedi Hutchinson, of Middletown High, claiming just over 49% of the vote this week.

This senior is used to being a leader. Not only in the Teacher Academy Pathway — but leading several student groups, like the Black Student Union and the Best Buddies program. That list continues, as her nominator said she's also a peer tutor, cheerleader and Special Olympics volunteer.

And, this daughter of an educator hopes to become a future teacher herself. Hutchinson is well on her way, looking toward graduation with completed observations at Brick Mill Early Childhood Center as part of her capstone project, according to her nominator.

Other students honored this week were Mariah Maddox, Woodbridge High; Erika Ayala-Rivera, William Penn High; and Abigail "Abby" Ehemann, of St. Mark's High.

Readers: Come back for our next biweekly poll. Educators: There's still time to make additional submissions.

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[Editor's note: This is a budding initiative. Did we miss your institution on our email list? Have a comment? Let us know: studentoftheweek@delawareonline.com]