Roswell Students Named Star Seniors By District

ROSWELL, Ga. — Fulton County Schools recently named Star Seniors of the district. The Star Seniors include exemplary students who are academically advanced as well as those who have succeeded in various ways.

The Star Seniors include a student from Centennial, Independence and Roswell high schools.

Centennial High School’s Alexis Seith is proof that some researchers are born, not made.

Having a scientific fascination that drives her interest to dig deep, Seith conducted research with Centennial’s AP biology teacher Bob Kuhn on viruses in wasp reproduction. As a dual enrollment student who split her time between three campuses including Georgia State University and Georgia Tech, she learned to balance her interests with her studies early on.

“I’m motivated by pressure,” Seith said.

Having transferred from another district in ninth grade, Seith had already taken some AP classes which jump started her Fulton County high school career. But she also wanted to fit in and make new friends, so she founded a club called the Students Serving Veterans. Fortunately, it also doubled as a Girl Scouts Gold project she needed to complete.

Through recruiting members to help donate items to the Veterans Empowerment Organization, she not only secured a new club charter and sponsorship but also built relationships and gave back to her local community in a meaningful way.

“I really want to make this world a better place,” Seith said.

At home, she had to assume more responsibility than the average high schooler which helped her gain a greater sense of responsibility and service. Ultimately her passion for neuroscience drove her plan to take psychology at Georgia Tech.

“I predict a bright future for Alexis,” Kuhn said. “She exhibits a rare combination of empathy, self-awareness, intelligence and expression. She is always questioning and finding, something I noticed in her immediately.”

Independence High School’s Rachel Knowles is one hard worker who has struggled to overcome personal challenges and has come out on the other side.

Having transitioned from a traditional Fulton County high school to Independence, a choice alternative learning environment that meets students’ unique needs at critical points in their lives, Knowles found her place. The combination of the mini-semester schedule, blended learning (teacher-taught and online courses), flexible scheduling and supportive counseling, Independence met her where she was to help her achieve success.

In time, she rediscovered her leadership skills which she’d shelved to focus on her well-being. Her counselor Jackie Jones bragged about her hard work and what her success brought her.

“Rachel has become a role model not only as a student but as a person. She’s not afraid of a challenge but rises to the occasion, and that helps motivate others.”

Environmental science teacher Debbie Dean concurs saying, “Rachel is a force to reckon with; she seeks positive outcomes.”

Knowles' struggles fostered compassion that enabled her to become an advocate for other students. Her message is to keep putting one foot in front of the other. She strives to be a helpful friend to others.

By the end of high school, she was president of the service club Interact, a Rotary-sponsored club.

One of Knowles' strongest words is “grateful” for her experience and how Independence’s support system and her parents contributed to making her the whole person she has become. She hopes to attend either Kennesaw State University or Georgia State University and of course, continue service work.

Roswell High School’s Djefley “Jeffery” Lubin came to the U.S. from Haiti with his father and sister when he was just 3-years-old.

Academically, he had a rough freshman year but made a complete transformation in short order. Learning early in football season that lower grades render a player ineligible for team participation, Lubin a cornerback, resolved to make the necessary changes. Not only did he succeed but he got a “Pick 6” in his first game back which sealed the deal.

Today, he is known for his dependability, humility and perseverance. His counselor Lauren Butler sings his praises.

“Jeffery is a student athlete who truly embodies a student who strives for excellence.”

He loves U.S. history and is fascinated to learn what happened in the past and how it can affect the future. He also enjoys wrestling, rugby and theatre.

Math teacher Addison Neiman acknowledged how Lubin showed character by taking ownership of his learning.

“Jeff is going to make a huge impact. Everybody loves being with him; he makes the room a better place. And he doesn’t make excuses.”

The strong support at Roswell has helped shape him-“there is no excuse to fail,” he says. His father has been his greatest inspiration, having made many personal sacrifices for him and his sister to have new opportunities in America.

Lubin signed to play football at Anna Maria College in Massachusetts and hopes to study criminal psychology.