The AJC Cup is awarded annually to one student per school in metro Atlanta. Faculty and staff at the schools choose students based on outstanding character or achievements. While the traditional ceremony won’t happen until a future date this year, the AJC will still recognize the students in print and online.
Among the outstanding students this year, eight plan to attend or were accepted to Ivy League schools. Below are details on the students and where they plan to go after graduating high school.
Suchetas Bokil, Alpharetta High School — Harvard University
Faculty and staff at Suchetas’ high school say he “is truly outstanding,” adding, “He is truly one of the most kind, hardworking, thoughtful and polite students that has ever walked through the halls of Alpharetta High School.” Described as being “truly appreciative” of his teachers’ work, Suchetas is president of FBLA, and vice president of the student council and serves in these roles while maintaining a near-perfect GPA.
Rory Pan, Northview High School — Harvard University
A senior class officer of Northview High School, Rory has also been the president of Future Business Leaders of America for two years. She’s taken numerous Advanced Placement high school courses and is a student-teacher in Northview’s Community Based Instruction Special Education program. According to faculty and staff “each day, she works one-on-one helping these students with their studies and life skills.”
Henry Xuan, Lambert High School — Harvard University
Faculty and staff say Henry embodies the makings of a great leader including passion, tenacity, motivation and a genuine care for others. Henry was chosen as Lambert’s AJC Cup winner because he’s repeatedly shown his strong character during his years at the school.
Sarah Lillian Packman, The Lovett School — Harvard University
Sarah is not only The Lovett School’s valedictorian but she’s involved in service, student government, athletics and fine arts. In her free time, she is a social justice advocate, dancer and scuba diver. Sarah has also served as her brother's side-kick in stand-up comedy.
Theodore Shepherd, Druid Hills High School — Yale University
Described as “an exceptional young adult and scholar,” Ted, as he’s called, is at the top of his class academically and he’s civically engaged. Ted is involved in a variety of clubs and athletics at Druid Hills and in his community. A natural leader, he demonstrates strong character and has a great interest in the world around him.
Xavier Shankle, Benjamin Banneker High School — University of Pennsylvania (undecided)
Among the schools Xavier has been accepted to, UPENN is one of them, but he hasn’t yet decided where he’ll go.
Xavier’s teachers and staff say he’s an example of the fact that nothing can hold you back if you decide not to allow it to do so.
Wyatt Woodbery, The Galloway School — Brown University
At Galloway’s 50th anniversary, Wyatt rallied his peers and said no matter if they’re a coder, lover of nature, fashion fan or basketball fanatic, they should embrace themselves fearlessly. The moment is one of many Galloway’s faculty and staff say exemplifies him as the model of what Elliott Galloway envisioned upon founding the school. The Galloway School faculty and staff say Wyatt is simply outstanding.
Anna Davis, The Westminster Schools — Brown University
Anna is a writing fellow who enjoys all disciplines but especially loves humanities. She has been a leader in Active Minds and the Gender and Equality Relations clubs. She’s also a member of student alumni and upper school advisory councils among others. A highly regarded actor, Anna has created and led musical theater offerings for younger children in Westminster’s ASK! after school program. Faculty and staff say she thrives as a soloist, ensemble member and as one of the heads of women’s a cappella group.
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