At the heart of community comes supporting our fellow neighbors, coworkers, and friends. Supporting businesses and people alike is what makes this area and our connections so special. One such member of our community who is calling for that support as she continues on an adventure of a lifetime is Angelina Talbot, a second grader in the Egg Harbor Township School District.
Talbot is currently competing in America’s Favorite Student, a nationwide competition presented by Bill Nye. Open to students ages six to 17 across the country, the competition celebrates students who show a passion for learning, leadership, and curiosity. Participants compete through multiple rounds of public voting for a grand prize that includes $20,000, a feature in Reader’s Digest, and an exclusive trip to meet Bill Nye at The Planetary Society.
After Talbot’s mother, Alisha Hamid, saw an advertisement about the competition on social media, she instantly enrolled her daughter.
“Together we’ve done some Bill Nye experiments before because my mom grew up with his show and she has been showing me episodes since I was around three,” Talbot reflected. “I feel honored and really proud of myself and my mom to have been selected for the competition.”
Not only was Talbot selected for the competition, but she has reached the quarterfinals. The quarterfinals will conclude this week, with the semifinals starting shortly after. In addition to competing in challenges, the public plays a major role, as votes determine which competitors continue on in the competition.
Talbot’s friends and teachers at school have been voting for her, along with several members of the community, helping her advance to this stage.
The competition is all online, but it has been an experience unlike any Talbot has had before.
“It’s been a challenge and I like challenges,” Talbot said. “It’s been competitive. My favorite part has been the videos from Bill Nye and watching myself move up to #1 for the original group before moving into the quarterfinals.”
As a student, Talbot thrives in the classroom. With math and science as her favorite subjects, she hopes to become a teacher one day, helping others learn while continuing to learn alongside them.
Talbot’s mom, Hamid, shared that she noticed her daughter’s dedication to learning long before she ever stepped into a classroom.
“Even as a toddler, she was drawn to experiments, letters, puzzles, and anything that let her explore how things worked. She’s always had this natural curiosity; learning is like an adventure for her,” Hamid said. “She has always been a curious, kind-hearted kid who sees the world with so much wonder. Even after losing her father, she’s shown a level of resilience and emotional strength that’s truly inspiring. She continues to grow with compassion, determination, and a love for learning that shines in everything she does.”
While the competition has been tough, Hamid shared that it has been the good kind of stressful. She says it has pushed Talbot in a positive way and that she has grown through each step of this journey.
Talbot couldn’t do this competition without the support of her community, and people have certainly stepped up.
“The community’s support has genuinely surprised me. I reached out hoping for a little help, but the number of people who’ve taken the time to vote and donate has been incredible. We’re truly grateful for everyone who’s supporting her,” Hamid said.
Not only has this competition helped her experience something new and grow as both a student and a person, but it has also given her access to opportunities that align with the way she learns.
“This support could help her explore advanced STEM programs, space-related activities, or enrichment experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. It’s an investment in the kind of future she’s already working hard to build,” Hamid said. “Competitions like this matter because they give students a real platform to showcase the curiosity, effort, and passion they bring to learning every day.”
As Talbot continues through the competition, the support of her community remains more important than ever. Voting plays a direct role in helping her advance to the next round, and every vote brings her one step closer to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For those looking to support a driven, curious, and hardworking young student from our own community, now is the time to show up and help Angelina Talbot continue her journey in America’s Favorite Student.
