Category: Student of the Month
April Student of the Month: Lelah Benn
Name: Lelah Benn School: Philadelphia Military Academy Nominated By: LTC Russell Gallagher - JROTC Commandant Redemption stories are usually written about weathered and time-tested adults. One could argue that this is because redemption, deliverance from past missteps or mistakes, takes a long time -- sometimes a lifetime. Cadet Lelah Benn’s redemption story spans her four...
March Student of the Month: Noor Rana
Name: Noor Rana School: Masterman High School Nominated By: Heather Marcus - School Counselor Many of us would consider ourselves lucky if we knew our purpose, all the more so if we were able to articulate it. That profound clarity often escapes even the most determined people. So listening to Masterman senior Noor Rana clearly...
March Student of the Month: Ali Shabazz
Name: Ali Shabazz School: Central High School Nominated By: Benjamin Hover – Teacher There’s a feeling you get when you are in the presence of greatness. The feeling can manifest differently — pride, respect, even jealousy. For this writer, the feeling during my conversations with Ali Shabazz was awe. Ali is awesome. The humility and…
February Student of the Month: Goddess Wiggins
Name: Goddess Wiggins School: Vaux Big Picture High School Nominated By: Vivian Shaw – Teacher Ask someone what their hopes and dreams are, and they could probably tell you. But ask them what their plan is to accomplish those hopes and dreams, and the answer might not be as easy. It’s been said that “a…
February Student of the Month: Youma Diabira
Name: Youma Diabira School: Central High School Nominated By: Kelly Coutts – Counselor When you love something or someone, you want it to be the best that it can be. It is a difficult concept for many. It means that sometimes you have to admonish, reprimand or discipline what you love. Sometimes it means having…
January Student of the Month: Kamilah Gordon
Name: Kamilah Gordon School: Randolph Technical HS Nominated By: Chef Michael Bell - Culinary Arts Teacher How do we know that we are here, on this earth, for a purpose? We’ve all asked ourselves that question, and for many the answer is elusive. For many it takes years, lifetimes, to find that purpose. Some even...
January Student of the Month: Joseph McCaffrey
Name: Joseph McCaffrey School: Walter B. Saul HS Nominated By: Kelsey Romano - Teacher Stephen Hawking once said, “Quiet people have the loudest minds.” This quote is profound, and immediately forces a recollection of the quietest people you know. They often evoke the question -- “what is on your mind?” -- the answer is usually,...
Yuvaraj (Yuva) Gambhir – March Student of the Month
MARCH STUDENT OF THE MONTH Name: Yuvaraj (Yuva) Gambhir School: Masterman Nominated By: Gilda Abney – School Counselor Some people have a knack for giving back, without even realizing they are doing it. Almost as if they have an innate understanding that if they are given much, they should give much in return. Yuvaraj (Yuva)…
Christopher Facenda-Torres – March Student of the Month
MARCH STUDENT OF THE MONTH Name: Christopher Facenda-Torres School: Carver Engineering & Sciences HS Nominated By: Ted Domers – Principal The most influential people in history held the deep belief that they were meant for a higher purpose. They understood that they alone were not perfectly equipped, but with guidance, perseverance and faith, they were…
Leysha Santiago – FEBRUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH Name: Leysha Santiago School: Philadelphia Military Academy Nominated By: Sarah Bruce – Teacher, Russell Gallagher – ROTC Commander You might not notice Leysha Santiago on the street. She’s quiet and observant. Upon meeting Leysha though, you realize that her drive and her influence on others contrasts her unassuming first impression….