Worcester, MA - Time to recognize another Telegram & Gazette Student of the Week.
There are three strong nominees this week.
The T&G asked high school principals, teachers, and guidance counselors to nominate students they say have shown outstanding school achievement and community service.
Readers help us choose each week's worthy student.
The nominees:
Summaries submitted by schools.
Lucas Bastien, David Prouty High School: Lucas, a junior, is an honors student who takes pride in balancing academics and athletics. He serves as a captain on the football team and also plays baseball. Lucas was selected as the East Brookfield Ambassador for Project 351 and currently represents his school as an MIAA Student Ambassador. In addition to his school involvement, he enjoys giving back to his community by volunteering as a youth football coach.
Geoffrey Gardiner, David Prouty High School: Geoffrey, a senior, has a strong interest in AP Biology and AP Psychology. Throughout high school, he has worked hard to earn Honors and High Honors and has already completed three AP courses—AP U.S. History, AP Language and Composition, and AP Environmental Science—earning scores of 3 or higher on all of them. This year, Geoffrey is challenging himself with four more AP classes: AP Biology, AP Psychology, AP Literature, and AP Calculus. Outside the classroom, Geoffrey has been an active member of the David Prouty Theater Department, helping behind the scenes as a stagehand on the Willy Wonka production. He also enjoys giving back to his community by volunteering at a local food bank and the Spencer Fair Senior Booth. Geoffrey completed a CTE internship with the Spencer Police Department and is looking forward to interning at the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and playing video games with friends. After graduation, he hopes to study Criminal Justice and pursue a career in law enforcement.
William Roman Polanco, Burncoat High School: Will is a passionate and hardworking senior at Burncoat High School. Will is at the top of the senior class and is enrolled in our Hanover Insurance Academy of the Arts. Will is often found on the stage in our theater magnet, including his performance as Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls the Musical last month! Will is also involved in student government, the Latinos Unidos Club, and does volunteer work with the Legacy Club. Lastly, Will has been working with a local business on designing Burncoat-themed loungewear for students. Will is always excited to be involved and is a great example of what it means to be a Burncoat Patriot!
To vote now for Lucas Bastein or Geoffrey Gardiner, click here.
As published in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, at 6:46a.m. EST.