Escambia and Santa Rosa Student of the Week for Dec. 8-12 announced
Congratulations to Pensacola High School's Landon Fernandez. Fernandez is this week's Escambia and Santa Rosa County High School Student of the Week.
Fernandez won with 55.2 percent of the vote. Runner up Zanna Garner finished in second with 25.07 percent of the vote.
A new week of voting will start on Dec. 15 so make sure to vote!
Here's the nomination submitted for Fernandez and details on the other nominees:
Pensacola High School - Landon Fernandez
Landon Fernandez, 12 th grade: It is with great pride that Pensacola High School officially nominates Landon Fernandez for the PNJ Student of the Week. Landon is an exceptional student and an exemplary representative of our school, demonstrating commitment across all facets of high school life. Landon stands out as a dedicated scholar-athlete, maintaining a weighted GPA of 4.23. His performance consistently reflects a profound commitment to academic excellence, evidenced by his receipt of both the CTE Academic Achievement Award and the English Academic Achievement Award. Furthermore, Landon has successfully achieved Adobe Certification in Television Production, showcasing his proficiency in a professional skill set. Landon's well-rounded attitude is underscored by his significant contributions to PHS athletics and leadership roles. He is a distinguished multi-sport athlete, participating in varsity golf for three years, soccer for three years (two on varsity), and varsity lacrosse for two years. His dedication to team spirit is also seen in his role as the 2025 PHS Volleyball Manager, where he represents our Tiger spirit thoroughly. Landon takes initiative in significant capacities, serving as a front office assistant and actively participating in both Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and the rigorous Student Scholars Program. Landon's commitment extends beyond the classroom and athletic fields into service and career readiness. He demonstrates genuine compassion through his volunteer efforts at Capstone Academy, supporting children with disabilities, reflecting a strong sense of civic responsibility. His involvement in the PHS Health Academy includes valuable experience shadowing healthcare professionals at Baptist Hospital, preparing him for future endeavors. Landon possesses the hallmark qualities of a PNJ Student of the Week. His creative passion is showcased through his energetic participation as a guitarist and drummer in a local cover band. His unwavering drive, exceptional character, and evident school pride collectively make him an outstanding candidate and an asset to the Pensacola High School community.
Escambia High School - Tania Martinez-Sierra
Tania Martinez-Sierra, 12 th grade: Tania Martinez-Sierra is a dedicated 12th-grade student at Escambia High School, maintaining a commendable GPA of 3.6. She is currently enrolled in a diverse set of courses, including 3-D Studio Art, Guidance Office Assistant, Economics, Personal Finance, English 4, and Psychology. Tania's academic performance and strong work ethic make her a standout student. According to Ms. Pongetti, her Art Teacher, "Tania is a respectful and exceptional art student who skillfully incorporates her Spanish heritage into her work. This is particularly evident in her intentional and vibrant use of color and texture. Her approach to each project is thoughtful and demonstrates a deep understanding of the materials she works with." Mrs. Perez, the Guidance Office Secretary, also speaks highly of Tania's professionalism and attitude. "Tania approaches her responsibilities with enthusiasm and diligence. She consistently stays focused, shows great initiative, and is an asset to the Guidance Office." Mr. Cowart, her Personal Finance Teacher, praises Tania's character, saying, "Tania exemplifies kindness and respect, making her a true role model. She is always willing to assist others, whether academically or as a compassionate friend. Her presence fosters an inclusive and supportive environment in the classroom, where all students feel valued and understood." In addition to her core academic workload, Tania is enrolled in AP Spanish. Mrs. Santiago further remarks, "Tania is one of my 'jewel' students because she possesses a rare combination of intelligence, collaboration, respect, kindness, and dedication. I am thrilled to have her in my AP Spanish class and as the President of the Spanish Club." Tania's reliability, strong work ethic, and willingness to contribute positively to her school community make her a valuable member of the Escambia High School student body.
Success Academy - Malayia Gomez
Malayia Gomez, ninth grade: According to her teachers, Malayia is an outstanding student. She is dedicated to her studies and excelling at an enormous rate of speed. She is very helpful to her peers and is an asset to the classroom. Malayia reported that she is proud of the grades that she is making in school this school year. She reported that her favorite subject in school is English. She reported that she plans to go to college to become a baker; she smiled and reported that "I like to bake cookies, cakes and cupcakes." Malaysia reported that reading books is her passion; she noted that she has boxes and boxes of books; and she loves to read books in her spare time. She reported that her mother is very proud of her grades here at Success Academy. She said that her mother said "My baby is doing so well at this school, and her mother stated that she is very proud of her hard work at school." Malaysia reported that Mrs.Vansickle is her favorite teacher of all time because she helped her to find her love for "Literature" and that Mrs. Vansickle motivated her to be her best self. It was a pleasure to interview this student for the Pensacola News Journal Student of the week, Malayia is well deserving of this honor.
West Florida High School - Zanna Garner
Zanna Garner, 12 th grade: Zanna Garner is a senior who has been a full-time dual enrollment student since the first semester of her junior year. Over the course of her academic career, Zanna has earned an unweighted 3.98 GPA and a 5.15 weighted GPA, both of which place her in the top 10 of her class. Her interest in science is reflected in her course work which runs the gamut from biological sciences like anatomy and physiology to astronomy and organic chemistry. The College Board has recognized her as a First Generation College Scholar, and she has made the President's List (perfect 4.0 GPA) and the Dean's List at PSC on two different occasions. For the past two years, Zanna has also been an active member of the WFHS Yearbook staff and currently serves as a student leader as both the Copy Editor, which requires that she supervises all the writing involved in the yearbook, and as the Social Media Manager, which requires that she routinely makes posts promoting and advertising the yearbook on multiple platforms. Her attainment of this position is perhaps more remarkable as she has been on the staff for only two years. Zanna is a current member of the National Honor Society and has spent her free time volunteering at a second-hand bookstore in downtown Pensacola that supports the Prison Book Project; she has also volunteered with special events for WSRE, putting in approximately 200 hours of community service. Zanna aspires to become a chemist and academic researcher and has already been accepted at Penn State University but ultimately hopes to attend the University of Michigan after high school. Jag Nation is proud to nominate Zanna for this award!
Milton High School - Chatyra Brightful
Chatyra Brightful, 12 th grade: Beyond the classroom, Chatyra has distinguished herself as a leader and an engaged member of our school community. She currently serves as the Vice President of the African American Cultural Club (AACC) after serving as Treasurer in her junior year. She is also the President of Anchored for Life, having previously held the Treasurer role, and the Vice President of the Panthers Ambassadors Club. Additionally, she participates in the Asian Student Union and the Civil Air Patrol (Air Force Auxiliary), showing both cultural awareness and civic responsibility. Her bubbly personality, positivity, and determination is what we need more of.
Navarre High School - Ava Theis
Ava Theis, 11th grade: Ava Theis has been chosen by Navarre High School as PNJ's Student of the Week. She is a dedicated student who spends much of her time helping others and prioritizing her responsibilities. Ava stands out for her commitment and compassion in everything she does. Along with her strong academic performance, she is involved in many clubs, such as Sewing Club, French Club, National Science Honor Society, Class Board, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Eco Uprising, and Raiders for Rescue, where she volunteers at animal shelters. She is also the secretary for both the History Club and Book Club, and she brings her creativity to the yearbook as a co-editor. Ava is known for her kindness, strong work ethic, and positive attitude. She manages her many roles well and makes a real difference at NHS and in the community.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia and Santa Rosa Student of the Week for Dec. 8-12 announced
