The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties has announced the following Students-ofthe- Month for September 2023: Samantha Spisak of Putnam County High School, Carly Cannon of Gatewood Schools, Ian Gutierrez of Greene County High School, Keerti Ahluwalia of Lake Oconee Academy, and Marisa Williams of Nathanael Greene Academy.
Samantha Spisak, daughter of Ashley Sisak, is a senior at Putnam County High School, where she is a varsity softball player, as well as a member of the book club, Kiwanis Club, Anchor Club, Farmers and Merchant Bank Junior Board, and golf team. She enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, and playing with her cat.
Samantha considers her most positive trait her love and compassion for all people. After high school, Samantha plans to attend Wesleyan College and major in biology as well as be a member of their softball team. Samantha sees herself as a prominent genetic engineer in 10 years. Counselor Mark Adams is Samantha's chosen Putnam County High School teacher of the month, whom she respects for his acceptance of all people and his problem-solving abilities.
The daughter of Scott and Jan Cannon, Carly Cannon is a senior at Gatewood High School and has been involved in many activities during her time there. Carly is a member of the varsity basketball, competition cheer, track, and soccer teams. She also is involved in Gatewood’s Student Ambassador Program, Anchor Club, Literary One Act Play, and more.
Carly works part-time at the Suds Club Car Wash and volunteers at Putnam County’s LifeSource Food Distribution. She shows leadership through her roles as vice president of her class and captain of the varsity basketball team. Carly also has won multiple academic awards, including Scholastic Leader, HOBY Youth Leadership nominee, and the UGA Certificate of Merit.
Carly enjoys being part of her community through the Farmers and Merchant Bank Junior Board and said she likes spending her free time hanging out with friends, going to Young Life, and playing basketball. She plans to attend college and major in biology in hopes of attending medical school. Carly has chosen Beth Moss as her Rotary teacher of the month because of the impact her caring and fun personality has made on her life.
Greene County High School student Ian Gutierrez serves his community as a youth group ambassador at his local church. His parents are Carlos Gutierrez and Monica Palomo.
Ian participates in the Academic Bowl and seeks to challenge himself by taking Dual Enrollment and AP classes. He enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and working out. He considers his caring nature and empathy toward others to be his most important attribute.
Basketball star LeBron James is someone Ian respects a lot due to his ability to be a good role model and give back to his city. After high school, Ian hopes to attend the University of Georgia and pursue a degree in computer science. He sees himself working for a major company like Google within the next decade. Greg Simmons is Ian's chosen Greene County High School teacher of the month.
The daughter of Tony and Mona Ahluwalia, Keerti Ahluwalia is a senior at Lake Oconee Academy. She is the president of her school’s Senior Beta Club, Student Body President, and an integral member of her school’s varsity soccer team. Keerti dedicates her time to volunteering at her school, but also at community events, namely Second Harvest.
Keerti has a deep interest in biology and plans to pursue a career in the medical field. She strives to be the first doctor to graduate from Lake Oconee Academy. Keerti named Kris Stevens as her teacher of the month.
Marisa Williams is a senior at Nathanael Green Academy and has remained at the head of the school list throughout her entire academic career. She is a member of the Beta Club and the Yearbook Committee. She participates in One Act, literary, cheer, and tennis. Marisa enjoys reading, her job at Starbucks, and spending time with her friends and family. She considers her determination and positivity to be her most important attributes.
Marisa sees her parents, Chris and Danielle Williams, as her main inspiration and motivators. Upon graduating from high school, Marisa plans to continue her education at the University of North Georgia. Marisa selected Jane Morgan as her teacher of the month.
The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties congratulates each of these outstanding high school students and their teachers.