Welcome to the Pensacola News Journal’s Student of the Week poll.
The best and the brightest of Escambia and Santa Rosa County high schools will be highlighted weekly, with readers choosing the student they believe is best deserving of the top honor. All of the students in the weekly poll are nominated by school officials who know better than anyone their academic achievements.
Merely being on the list each week is an incredible feat.
Each school district is allowed to nominate up to six students weekly but are not required to nominate a specific number.
This week’s poll includes four candidates for one top Student of the Week. To vote: Scroll to the bottom of this article.
The poll will be posted at pnj.com each Tuesday, and voting will end on Friday at noon each week.
Vote for the best of the best. Below are all the nominees.
Escambia High School – Hermie Ayson
Hermie Ayson, 12th grade: It is a distinct honor to nominate Hermie Ayson for Student of the Week. Hermie represents the perfect balance of academic achievement, competitive spirit, and artistic dedication. Throughout his 13 years in Escambia County Public Schools, he has maintained a spotless record, having never received any form of disciplinary referral, or even a single tardy infraction. This level of self-discipline is reflected in his elite 4.528 weighted GPA. A veteran of several Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes, Hermie’s academic success started early; as a sophomore, he demonstrated his intellectual mettle by passing the rigorous AP Biology exam. Beyond the classroom, he is a cornerstone of the Escambia music department, participating in Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Solo and Ensemble, and Indoor Percussion. His dedication to the arts goes far beyond simple participation; he is known for staying late after school to assist with band functions and helping his fellow musicians master their parts. His impeccable attendance is vital to the success of the program, ensuring that his part is always heard and the ensemble remains cohesive. In addition to his musical and academic pursuits, Hermie is a standout athlete in the digital arena. As the premier Rocket League player on Escambia’s Esports team, he applies the same focus and strategic thinking to competitive gaming as he does to his studies. Whether he is performing on a stage, competing in an arena, or conquering his classwork, Hermie consistently hits the high note. He plans to continue his formal music studies at the collegiate level, carrying with him the legacy of excellence he has built at Escambia High School.
Success Academy – Cassidy “Renee” Waltman
Cassidy “Renee” Waltman, ninth grade: Renee is new to Success Academy, but strives to do her best with all subjects. She has made friends and is doing great! Renee reported that she is positive about being at Success Academy. She noted that she is working to complete all of her assignments at a high level. She reported that her favorite subject in school is Language Arts, because she just “likes to read” and Language Arts is an interesting subject. According to her teachers, this student has a wonderful disposition. They’re incredibly pleasant, and I enjoy having them in my class. I know I can count on this student to be a calm, enjoyable presence in my class. Renee smiled and reported that she plans to be a “jewelry designer” in the future. She also noted that she plans to go to college or trade school to learn more about this trade. Renee noted that she is a very caring person and that she is really empathetic to the feelings of others. She noted that her parents are very supportive of her becoming a jeweler or a dress designer. She noted that she is very passionate about creating new dresses and jewelry. Renee reported that her favorite teacher of all time is her art teacher Mrs. Filliaeion. Mrs. Filliaeion is her favorite teacher because she helped her to develop her creativity and her inspiration for art. It was a pleasure to interview this student for the Pensacola News Journal Student of the Week.
Northview High School – Presley Davey
Presley Davey, ninth grade: Presley Davey is an outstanding example of the absolute model student in Escambia County. Presley always displays the highest work ethic and excellent attention to any assignment or task asked of her in the classroom. Presley’s talents, however, are not just limited to the classroom setting, but are also displayed on the field and everywhere else she goes. Presley has the highest personal standards for herself, and her drive to excel and perfect her skillset is noticeable by teachers and coaches alike. She is respectful of authority, energetic, thoughtful, responsible and well-rounded. Presley has shown the unique ability to make others around her better by modeling the best and offering to help them succeed. Presley has been a shining example of hard work, and she continues to grow daily in the qualities needed as a tremendous future leader. Mrs. Webb is especially proud of Presley’s commitment this school year and is thrilled to recognize and recommend her as this week’s Student of the Week.
Navarre High School – Victoria Coggins
Victoria Coggins, 12th grade: Victoria Coggins has been selected as Navarre High School’s nominee for PNJ Student of the Week. She is an active member of the National English Honor Society, creative writing club, Florida Future Educators of America/teaching academy, and NJROTC. Victoria has demonstrated significant leadership by guiding and preparing more than 20 freshman cadets for the 2026 Pace NS-1 Showcase, where they competed against ten schools from across the Gulf Coast. Her contributions resulted in the Raider Battalion’s newest members achieving second place overall, with first place in Unarmed Drill, second in Personnel Inspection, fourth in Color Guard, and second overall in the Physical Fitness Competition. Victoria’s leadership, commitment to her peers, and innate teaching abilities form the foundation of the Raider Battalion’s success. In her free time, Victoria enjoys reading, thrifting, and teaching. Following graduation, she intends to study English at the University of West Florida and aspires to become an English teacher.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Who should be named PNJ’s Student of the Week? Cast your vote
Reporting by Chemarryn Thornton, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
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