Big congratulations to Aiden Sanxhaku, Masterman senior and all-around superstar, for being named Senior of the Month by the School District of Philadelphia!

Talk about impressive – Aiden’s not just acing the toughest classes at Masterman, he’s leading the charge in making science accessible to everyone. As founder of Physics & Engineering for All (PhEFA), he’s gotten countless students fired up about physics through hands-on programs and mentorship opportunities. His brainchild, the Summer Week of Physics (SWOP), has turned into one of the school’s most exciting outreach programs.

When he’s not in the classroom, you’ll find him in a University of Penn lab researching renewable energy batteries – specifically, redux flow batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion technology. Between leading the Science Olympiad team as Co-President and diving into MIT research papers on quantum batteries, Aiden’s scientific curiosity knows no bounds.

But that’s just scratching the surface. Through Root2Success, where he serves as President, Aiden’s helping middle school kids across Philly achieve their math goals. He develops lesson plans, coordinates tutors, and even jumps in to teach students himself.

The amazing thing about Aiden? He’s mastered the art of balance. You might catch him playing clarinet or tenor saxophone in the school Orchestra and Jazz Band one moment, then sprinting down the field with the Varsity Soccer team the next. Or maybe you’ll find him at the Albanian cultural center, where he teaches younger students about the Albanian language and culture, keeping his heritage alive and strong.

Every summer, Aiden makes time to visit Albania with his family, staying connected to his roots while pursuing his dreams here in Philly. It’s this combination of academic excellence, community leadership, and cultural pride that makes him such an outstanding role model for students across the district.

His physics teacher put it perfectly: “Aiden’s fascination with science goes way beyond the classroom. He’s always asking the big questions – What powers the stars? How does light bend? Is gravity a force? – and then diving deep to find the answers.” This natural curiosity, combined with his drive to share knowledge with others, makes him exactly the kind of student leader our schools need.

To everyone who knows Aiden, this recognition comes as no surprise. He’s the kind of student who not only reaches for the stars but helps others build their own rockets too. His humble attitude, despite all his achievements, makes him even more remarkable.

Aiden, you’re the real deal – a brilliant mind with an even bigger heart. This award couldn’t have gone to a better person. From your groundbreaking research to your community service, you represent the very best of Philadelphia’s public schools.

Keep shooting for those stars – we know you’ll reach them! Congratulations, we can’t wait to see what incredible things you’ll do next!

We asked Aiden some of our favorite questions: 

1. What does being named Senior of the Month mean to you? 

I am humbled and honored to be selected. Being named senior of the month recognizes the work I have put forth to benefit my community and maintain a high academic standard, and it motivates me to continue helping others to the best of my ability.

2. Why do you think you were nominated for Senior of the Month? 

I think, and what I take the most pride in, is my diverse involvement and contributions to my school’s community. Whether this be through founding my school’s first physics and engineering club —PhEFA (Physics & Engineering for All)— and leading this team to a regional high score in the American Rocketry Challenge; helping our Science Olympiad team qualify for our two State appearances as co-captain; musical contributions through our full, graduation, and theatre orchestra as a first clarinet or our jazz band as a solo tenor saxophonist; or even playing basketball and soccer throughout the past four years. I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had to engage in my interests, and I hope that I have been able to help others do the same.

3. You were nominated by Ms. Marcus. Explain your relationship to him/her. Why do you think she nominated you specifically? 

Ms. Marcus has always been someone I could reach out to with questions of any magnitude. Especially during this college and scholarship application process, as my school’s counselor, she was an invaluable resource of experience and insight. I truly believe I would have had a much more difficult time without her help. And most importantly, she has always been incredibly kind not just to me but to everyone in the school, and I think this is an incredible part of her character.

Throughout the past 2 years, I am thankful to have developed a great relationship with her, and through her genuine curiosity, she has learned more about me and my interests. My peers and I are proud to have her as a cornerstone of our community.

4. What is one thing you’d like to share about yourself that most people don’t know about you?

Over the past year, I have been working closely with two other high school students to produce an AI-based productivity application for researchers. As I will mention later, I love research, and part of the challenge that my peers and I have encountered is getting around redundant tasks like formatting graphs or sourcing grants. This is why we started our web app, and we have currently sourced $450,000 in seed funding through Microsoft, Nvidia, and Intel’s accelerator programs as we move into beta.

5. What do you enjoy most when you are not at school? 

As I touched upon previously, I’d say my main passion is likely research. Over the past four years, I have spent my summers and numerous afternoons in programs and opportunities related to research. Fortunately, two years ago I was able to intern at the Mallouk Laboratory, a UPenn laboratory focused on inorganic chemistry and energy solutions. I dedicated my non-school time to this lab, and I was thankfully able to begin my very own research project on a sustainable storage mechanism known as an Aqueous Redox Flow battery. As a full-time researcher last summer and part-time throughout my senior year, I have continued to source data and finalize my first research paper— which I am looking to publish early next year.

6. In your opinion, what is the best thing about attending school at Masterman? 

My favorite aspect about Masterman, and what I feel truly makes it great, are the brilliant students; each with their own diverse interests and intellectual pursuits, we have been gathered under one roof since many of us were in 5th grade. I’ve had the privilege of seeing my classmates grow up, study for tests, collaborate on projects, and even organize clubs and other extracurricular activities, and I look forward to seeing just how far they will go. They are the fire that underpins the ethos of excellence behind Masterman.

7. In your opinion, what is one thing that the School District could do to improve our service to  students?

Value and provide more support for our teachers. One thing that I have experienced firsthand is the power of teachers who are truly invested in both their material and students, and I am thankful to have had access to adults who served as both role models and champions of education. As aspects of schools begin to change and with sometimes more students being assigned, it is important to understand that our teachers are human, and we look to put them in the best possible conditions to help nurture our students.