The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties recently announced the following Students-of-the-Month for November 2023: Quanas Benford (Greene County High School), Ella Blythe (Lake Oconee Academy), and Caleb Cook (Putnam County High School). October Students-of-the-Month Ja’Quon Stembridge (Greene County High School) and Anika Imhof (Lake Oconee Academy) were also recognized at the meeting.
Quanas Benford is a senior at Greene County High School, where she also is deputy group commander at her school's AFJROTC unit GA-939.
Quanas is a member of track and field, flag football, UGA upward bound, UGA leadership, Student Council, Color Guard, and the Saber team. She enjoys running, cooking, reading, and drawing.
Her mother, Queliner Chatman, is who Quanas most looks up to because she’s always there for support. Quanas plans to attend Kennesaw State University to major in biology. After graduating from Kennesaw State, she plans to join the Air Force to begin her career as a flight surgeon. Gerald Davis is Quanas’ chosen Greene County High School teacher of the month.
Ella Blythe is a student at Lake Oconee Academy.
Ella's parents are Damon and Jennifer Blythe.
An AP Scholar, Ella is a member of LOA Miracle, Beta competition and sideline cheer, and the world-renowned Marietta Stingrays Orange.
Ella enjoys coaching young girls in gymnastics and cheer through Atlas Ministries, Future Titan cheer, and private lessons. After high school, Ella plans to attend the University of Georgia and major in pharmaceutical sciences. Ella chose Mandy Lipscomb as her teacher of the month.
A senior at Putnam County High School and the son of Crystal Cook, Caleb Cook is an honor roll student, a member of the Beta Club, and National Honor Society, and captain of the golf team.
He enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, and hanging out with friends, and is a member of Lakepoint Community Church and Lighthouse Youth Group. He also volunteers his time at community food distributions and enjoys volunteering for Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine.
After high school, Caleb plans to continue his employment with Wilson Bryant Air Conditioning and to continue attending Central Georgia Technical College to complete his heating and air conditioning certificate. Mark Adams is Caleb’s chosen Putnam County High School teacher of the month.
Ja’Quon Stembridge is a Greene County High School senior who was raised by his mother, Erica Davis. Ja’Quon is an honor student, and a member of DECA, Tome Society, Academic Bowl, Student Travelers, and Superintendent Advisory Council. He also is the percussionist at his church, St. Paul Baptist. Among his biggest accomplishments at GCHS was founding the student council there.
His most recent creation was forming Georgia’s 10th Congressional District Teen Republicans, which covers 18 counties in the state of Georgia.
He has been recognized by several elected officials, including former Congressman Jody Hice, State Rep. Trey Rhodes, State Rep. Houston Gaines, and Kelvin and Janelle King, among others. Ja’Quon selected Julie Benskoski as his teacher of the month.
Anika Imhof, whose parents are Thomas and Elvia Imhof, is a student at Lake Oconee Academy. Anika is a member of One-Act, Beta Club, and the varsity soccer and tennis teams. She enjoys playing tennis with friends, reading on the go, and playing the piano. Anika considers her organization and willingness to help others her most positive attributes.
Anika has the utmost respect for Caroline St.
John, who inspired her to be a vivid reader. After high school, Anika hopes to attend the University of Georgia to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree.