Rotary Club honors April Students of the Month

The Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties recently announced its Students of the Month (SOTM) for April 2023, including Erin Harvey (Gatewood Schools), Talan Watson (Greene County High School), Justin Zahler (Lake Oconee Academy), Parker Bartlett (Nathanael Greene Academy), and Javier Medina Rivera (Putnam County High School).

Erin Harvey is a Gatewood senior with parents Don and Shannon Harvey. She is a member of the competition cheerleading team, sideline cheer, the Student Ambassador program, Anchor Club, Student Planning Committee, and Rotary Club. Erin enjoys being involved in her community through Young Life, the Farmers and Merchants Bank Junior Board, and waitressing at Iron Fork Cafe.

While balancing a part-time job and extracurricular activities, she also is involved in various community service programs, such as contributing to Project Safe Inc. in Athens. Erin enjoys being on the lake with her friends, cheer practice, and spending time with her family.

After high school, she plans to attend the University of Georgia to major in Business. She also plans to attend grad school and work toward her Masters of Business. Libby Haley is Erin’s chosen Gatewood Teacher of the Month.

Talan Watson is a student at Greene County High School. His parents are Brian and Amy Watson. Talan is a member of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America and enjoys relaxing, cooking, and information technology. Talan has an aptitude for technology and enjoys hardware more than software.

After high school, Talan plans to attend Athens Technical College to pursue an IT career. In 10 years, Talan sees himself as a network administrator. He chose Megan Calicott as his Teacher of the Month.

Justin Zahler is a senior at Lake Oconee Academy where he has been a part of the varsity cross-country team and won a state championship in tennis. He also is part of the Student Government Association and works part-time as a server at a sushi restaurant. Justin considers his work ethic and ability to focus under pressure as key points in his high school success.

Following high school, Justin plans to attend Northeastern University to pursue a degree in computer programming and linguistics. Beyond college, he aspires to work in technology as a software engineer. Justin selected Anna-Kate Bennett as his Teacher of the Month.

Parker Bartlett is a Nathanael Greene Academy senior, and his parents are Rob Bartlett and Rachel Wanamaker.

Parker transferred from his school in Chattanooga, Tenn. to NGA last November. In Chattanooga, he was involved in lacrosse for three years and now plays baseball at Nathanael Greene Academy. Parker loves the outdoors, enjoys fishing and works as a golf cart attendant at Harbor Club on Lake Oconee.

Parker values his friends and family over anything else and considers this one of his best qualities. After high school, he plans to attend the College of Coastal Georgia to major in marine biology. Sherrie Mauldin is Parker's chosen NGA Teacher of the Month.

Javier Medina Rivera is a senior at Putnam County High School.

Javier’s parents are Javier and Bertha Medina. An honors graduate, Javier is a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society. He enjoys playing soccer, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends. Javier also volunteers in the Beta Club program and helps serve food at the Elk Lodge to veterans.

Javier considers his strong work ethic and his drive for success as his most positive attribute. The people Javier respects the most are his siblings, Arnoldo Medina, and Yesenia Medina, because of their support and contributions to furthering his education.

After high school, he plans to attend the University of Georgia to pursue a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife, as he sees himself as a wildlife biologist in future years. Javier chose William Bollen as his Teacher of the Month.