The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties has recognized the following Studentsof- the-Month for January 2026: Ellie McMillian at Gatewood, Ezekiel Frederick at Greene County High School, Lili Nelson at Lake Oconee Academy, and Carolyn Thomas at Putnam County High School.
Ellie McMillian is a Gatewood High School senior, and her parents are John and Christa McMillian. Ellie is a member of the FCA and GYC clubs and participates in varsity softball, basketball, track, and soccer. On weekends, she works at Creekside Kennels in Monticello.
Ellie considers her love for animals and caring for others to be her most positive attributes. After high school, she plans to attend Georgia Military College, where she will play softball and pursue a career in nursing. Science teacher Daulton Veal is Ellie’s chosen Gatewood High School teacher of the month.
Ezekiel “Zeke” Frederick is a Greene County High School senior, and his parents are Janna and Paul Frederick. Zeke is an honor roll student and was part of the football team. He also enjoys playing video games and reading. After high school, Zeke plans to enter the workforce and begin his HVAC career.
He said GCHS athletic trainer Kelsy Ney has made the most impact on him and is his chosen teacher of the month.
Lili Nelson is a senior at Lake Oconee Academy, and her parents are Randy and Marnie Nelson. An AP Scholar, Lili is a competitive golfer, a member of the Student Ambassadors program, and the founder of FCA at LOA. Lili recently signed to play Division 1 golf at Georgia Southern, where she plans to double major in philosophy and English. Lili also enjoys running and fitness, reading, and the outdoors.
In 10 years, Lili sees herself playing golf at the highest level and pursuing a career in sports and health. Lili named Bobby Craig her teacher of the month, saying he is the type of person who builds lasting relationships with his students, never leaves a thought unexplored in his classroom, and is a friend who makes life lighter.
Carolyn Thomas is a Putnam County High School senior, and the daughter of Russell and Pam Thomas. Carolyn is an exceptional student whose academic achievement, leadership, and character reflect the core values of Rotary. She has been accepted to several top institutions, including early acceptance into biology at the Georgia Institute of Technology and into regenerative bioscience at the University of Georgia, as well as Georgia College and Berry College.
Carolyn also is a finalist for the Coca-Cola scholarship. Carolyn serves in leadership roles through the National Honor Society and other clubs and is active in 4-H at the state leadership level.
With a strong passion for STEM, she plans to pursue biological research and is recognized for her dedication, integrity, and commitment to service.
Carolyn named Valdis Ozols as her Putnam County High School teacher of the month.
The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties is proud to honor its Rotary Students-of-the-Month.
Each of these exceptional students has demonstrated exemplary leadership, dedication to service, and a commitment to their communities that truly embody the spirit of Rotary.