Choose the best of the best from the Savannah Morning News Student of the Week poll
After a week hiatus while celebrating Savannah's 200th St. Patrick's Day Parade anniversary, please join the the Savannah Morning News (SMN) in recognizing this week’s innovative and dedicated students who strive to succeed academically as well as engage their school communities.
The Student of the Week poll spotlights high school students nominated by local public and private school leaders, such as principals, teachers, counselors and other staff members.
Read over this week’s nominated students and select who you think should be named the Savannah Morning News Student of Week:
Jimmy Kelley, junior, Savannah Christian Preparatory School
Jimmy Kelley works diligently to be the best student he can be in the classroom at Savannah Christian Preparatory School (SCPS). He is an extremely polite and respectful young man and has a great sense of humor. He recently won 1st place in the Literary Analysis Essay category at the Region 3AAA Literary Competition and then spent his St. Patrick's Saturday competing in the Literary State Championships. His commitment was rewarded when he finished as the State Runner-Up. He is a member of National Honor Society at SCPS and supports the school as a member of Service Club. He is also a talented artist who is enrolled in SCPS's Advanced Placement (AP) Art 2-D class. He competes on the SCPS Cross County team and was named to the High Honor Roll last semester while enrolled in AP and Honors classes.
Sterling Stephens, senior, Islands High School
In Honors Chemistry, Sterling Stephens displayed an extraordinary level of understanding and dedication, earning a perfect score of 100. Her academic excellence is a testament to her hard work and commitment to learning, and it is evident that she excels in all her endeavors. However, Stephens's impact extends far beyond the classroom. She is a natural-born leader. Islands High School AP Chemistry teacher, Jessica Decker said, "From the moment she transferred into my class, it was clear that she possessed qualities that set her apart. Rather than merely gaining a new student, I found myself with a student-teacher, as Sterling took on a leadership role and inspired her peers to strive for excellence."
Stephens's remarkable dedication to serving others is what sets her apart. Despite facing challenges at her previous school, she made the courageous decision to leave in order to pursue her passion for training service dogs. At Islands High School, she found the support and encouragement she needed to continue her mission of helping those in need. Not only is she a straight-A student who has been dual-enrolled at Georgia Southern University for over two years, but she is also graduating a year early. Her story is one of academic excellence, character and the profound impact of service to others.
Raphael "Ralph" Scroggins, junior, Benedictine Military School
Benedictine Military School junior Raphael "Ralph" Scroggins was the Southern Motors Student of the Month for February 2024. Scroggins consistently goes above and beyond in both the classroom and on the playing field. He is also polite and respectful, and truly exemplifies the Benedictine pillars of character, spirituality, purpose, and brotherhood. Ralph is a true leader in the classroom.
He has a unique way of encouraging his friends and classmates when they are frustrated about not understanding a difficult concept. He willingly tutors them on his own but also calls them out and encourages them to go to tutorial. It works – teachers have seen his classmates attend tutorial after his encouragement and it’s fun to see their banter. Additionally, Scroggins is the rare student who seems to inherently understand the value of spending every minute wisely – he is extremely self-disciplined. He always pays attention, displays good body language, makes eye contact, and has a positive disposition. Scroggins is so well rounded. He enjoys talking about football but is just as likely to engage in conversation about business/careers in information technology. He is well-liked and respected by his peers and faculty, going above and beyond.
Vote
*Polls close 12 p.m. each Thursday. Students who receive the most votes are announced online each Friday and appear in print on Sundays.
Nominate a student for next week
Public and private high school principals, leaders, counselors and teachers are welcome to submit nominations for next week's poll to studentoftheweek@savannahnow.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Morning News Student of the Week poll for Mar. 25 - 28
