2025 Models of Excellence Student Leaders

The School Board was proud to recognize the 2025 Student Models of Excellence, chosen by their principals for their contributions both in and out of the classroom. These students stood out for their collaboration, mentoring, involvement in causes and activities, academic excellence, and their strong commitment to addressing social justice issues within their schools.The recognition took place on Thursday, February 13, during the School Board meeting.

This year, Arlington Community High School was proud to have Nahom Mandefro as our nominee. We celebrate Nahom’s leadership, dedication, and positive impact on our school community.

In his first year at Arlington Community High School, Nahom Mandefro has already distinguished himself as a leader, role model, and dedicated scholar. Selected as ACHS’s Black Student Leader and Model of Excellence, Nahom exemplifies the values of perseverance, academic achievement, and community engagement. Nahom’s enthusiasm for learning and his commitment to uplifting his peers make him a standout student. He consistently goes beyond expectations in his coursework, as highlighted by his teachers. Ms. Livelli praises his academic excellence in English, while Mr. Reese notes his high achievement in Economics, Personal Finance, and U.S. History, stating that Nahom “goes above and beyond on assignments” and “motivates his peers to stay focused.” Dr. Salazar further recognizes his excellence in online courses, reinforcing his dedication to academic success. Beyond the classroom, Nahom has shown resilience in overcoming challenges, using his experiences to inspire others. His willingness to support and mentor his peers, along with his strong commitment to social justice, makes him a true leader in the ACHS community. We are proud to recognize Nahom Mandefro for his hard work, perseverance, and outstanding contributions.