Lake Oconee Academy proudly recognized four outstanding high school students along with one exceptional teacher during the October Board of Governors meeting, celebrating their academic achievements, leadership and dedication to excellence.
Shelby Marullo, a standout high school student, was honored for being the first student in Greene County to be nominated for the Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) in the content area of mathematics. Shelby advanced through the highly competitive application and interview process and spent a month this past summer participating in the prestigious program — the most academically rigorous statewide opportunity for Georgia high school students.
According to the GHP Course Descriptions and Selection Criteria, “A GHP student is a sophomore or junior that exhibits an undeniable level of passion in their preferred subject, and an appetite to learn on a deeper level that cannot always be fully satisfied in a high school classroom.” Shelby exemplifies this spirit of intellectual curiosity and dedication to learning, setting a high standard of scholarship for her peers.
In addition, three LOA seniors, Ava Shurling, Abigail Angle and Kensley Windham, were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements as Dual Enrollment students at the University of Georgia. Admission to UGA’s Dual Enrollment program is highly competitive, making their acceptance and participation a remarkable accomplishment.
These students have demonstrated exceptional time management, independence and commitment to academic growth while balancing their college coursework and high school assignments.
“We are so proud of these students for taking on such challenging opportunities,” said LOA Upper School Instructional Coordinator Caroline St. John. “Their hard work, leadership and pursuit of excellence represent the very best of our school community.”
To add to the students’ spotlight, the meeting also included a special recognition for Mrs. Sheryl Harris, a student support services teacher at LOA, who received the Cornerstone Teacher Award for her dedication to helping students develop essential life and job skills. Mrs. Harris recently instituted and leads Java of the Titans, a weekly initiative where her students make and deliver coffee orders to staff across campus.
Through this program, students gain real-world experience — from counting money and making change to practicing communication and customer service skills — all while spreading positivity with each order.
“Mrs. Harris has created something truly special,” said Jerante Smith, High School Principal at LOA. “Her program combines learning with purpose, empowering students to grow in confidence and independence while making a meaningful contribution to our school community.”
These outstanding achievements continue to inspire the Titan family and remind all students that dedication and curiosity open doors to extraordinary opportunities.
Congratulations to Shelby, Ava, Abigail and Kensley for their remarkable accomplishments and Mrs. Harris for representing LOA with Titan pride!