GREENSBORO, Ga. — The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties is pleased to announce the following Students-of-the-Month for November 2022: Tifton Willis (Gatewood Schools), Melani Sotelo Leon (Greene County High School), Elisa Garcia-Carreras (Lake Oconee Academy), Isaac Aaron Jordan (Nathanael Greene Academy), and Stephanie Arella Cash (Putnam County High School). 

Tifton Willis is a senior at Gatewood School. She is the daughter of Hunter and Jessica Willis. She is a four-year varsity sideline cheerleader involved in the Student Ambassadors Program, Anchor Club, Literary, National Honors Society, and more. She has been employed at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee for almost two years, helping provide excellent service to members daily. While balancing a part-time job and extracurricular activities, she is also a volunteer in her community. She meets with the Putnam County LifeSource Food Distribution monthly to distribute goods to those in need. She is also involved with Cancer Kids First, a non-profit organization, dedicating her time to pediatric cancer patients, striving to uplift their spirits in their trying times. To her, volunteering with Cancer Kids First is not about volunteer hours, but about bringing light into the world of a child who was given the brutal battle of childhood cancer. After high school, Tifton plans to attend university (undecided where) and major in nursing. She hopes to excel in her studies, setting her up for great success in the medical field. She plans on receiving her BSN and using this degree to pursue pediatric nursing. In ten years, she sees herself at the Children’s Healthcare Hospital in Atlanta, providing care for pediatric patients.

Coach Troy Burner is her chosen Gatewood School teacher of the month.

Melani Sotelo Leon is a senior at Greene County High School. Her  parents are Veronica Leon and Ismael Sotelo. Melani is a member of FFA, DECA, and JROTC. She is the Deputy Group Commander for her JROTC Unit. She is also a class representative and one of the students that led the First Hispanic Heritage Month Pep Rally at Greene County High School. She enjoys her leadership role in JROTC and participates in community service events. She enjoys her job at a golf shop and loves playing and watching soccer. Her future aspirations are to attend the University of North Georgia (UNG). She plans to become a member of their Corps of Cadets, a part of their International Affairs Internship, and their Education Abroad Program. After graduating from UNG she plans to become an officer in the U.S Air Force. She chose Master Sgt. Joe Miley as her teacher of the month.

Elisa Garcia-Carreras is a senior at Lake Oconee Academy. Her parents are Gene and Lora Garcia-Carreras. She is a member of the two-time state winning One Act Theater. She loves to make music with her sisters and plays guitar among many instruments. She enjoys volunteering at Habor at Harmony Crossing, where she plays music and visits the residents. Elisa is inspired by Mother Teresa’s indiscriminate love and passion for helping others and aspires to help others in the same way. After high school, shea hopes to attend the University of Georgia or Belmont University with a major in music therapy. Afterward, she plans to pursue a career in pediatrics music therapy at Children’s Health care of Atlanta. Amy Reber is her chosen teacher of the month.

Isaac Aaron Jordan is a senior at Nathanael Greene Academy. His  parents are Donnie and Carolyn Jordan. Isaac has attended NGA for two years. He participated in varsity football for two years, JV basketball for one year, varsity basketball for two years, and varsity baseball for two years. Isaac is a member of the Beta Club. He serves as treasurer for the senior class. He was crowned the 2022 Homecoming King. Isaac is a member of Wesley Chapel Wesleyan Church. After high school, Isaac plans to join the family business, Jordan Air. Isaac selected Sherri Mauldin as his teacher of the month.

Stephanie Arella Cash is a senior at Putnam County High School. She is an honor roll student who participates in Beta Club, National Honors Society, and her school’s leadership program. She has grown from an amateur photographer to an all-out journalist. She has covered every sport in the local Eatonton Messenger and her photographs have appeared on national websites. She respects her fellow artists and writers because of the care and patience needed to hone such a creative and inspiring craft. After high school, she plans to attend a college of her choosing to pursue a degree in the literature field. She sees herself as a college professor or journalist in the next 10 years. Mark Adams is her  chosen Putnam County High School teacher of the month.

The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties wishes to congratulate these outstanding students and teachers!