Georgia Magazine - July 2017 - 15D

Leydis Morell

While still a student at Heritage High School, Leydis
Morell of Conyers took several courses at the University
of Georgia (UGA).
"Leydis does not work hard because she has the
desire to keep up with her peers or to get the grade,"
Nicole E. Hurt, a lecturer in the UGA Communications
Studies Department, wrote in her recommendation letter.
"No, Leydis works hard
because she is genuinely curious about our
world."
She participated in
her high school's Concert Band and Marching Band, for which
she served as librarian,
section leader and first
lieutenant. She earned
several band awards,
including Most Outstanding Marcher, Most
Outstanding First Lieutenant and the Heritage
High School Band W.
Keith Thomas Award.
She also was a member
of the National Honor
Society, Beta Club, National Art Honor Society and French Club.

'Overcoming so many obstacles at such a young age
inspired me to be a helping hand for those in need.'
Morell earned many certifications in Microsoft Office,
was nominated to attend the Governor's Honors Program
in French and received the State of Georgia/University of
Georgia Certificate of Merit, the Superintendent's Award
and the University of Georgia Presidential Scholar award.
Morell tutored others in language and history, worked
as a volunteer instructor for middle school bands, participated in the school's Work-A-Thon trash pickup and assisted with food, books and clothing drives. She wants to
operate her own nonprofit operation someday.
She and her mother came to the United States when
she was a toddler, and neither spoke English.
"I began working vigorously to become fluent in
English, not just for me but for my mother, who had no
time to learn it" while working to support them, she says.
"If it had not been for all the hardships I faced as an immigrant, I would not be the person I am today. Overcoming so many obstacles at such a young age inspired me
to be a helping hand for those in need."
July 2017

Victoria Smith, back right, met these children in Haiti in July 2016,
during her second mission trip to the country. The group worked
with an orphanage called Project One Haiti.

Victoria Smith

Victoria Smith of Jackson was a "respectful and hardworking student" at Jackson High School, but that is only
part of the story, according to Jimmy Martin, a math teacher who wrote a letter of recommendation for Smith.
"One thing that separates Victoria from some of my
other high-performing students is that she is so kind and
humble that many of her peers and teachers do not pick
up on how intelligent she is," he wrote. "Very rarely do I
have a student as intelligent and kind as Victoria."
Smith played varsity volleyball, for which she was
captain, and varsity tennis. She also was on the leadership
committee of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and
was involved in the National Honor Society, Health Occupation Students of America, Key Club, Beta Club, Math
Team, Senior Cabinet and Student Council, for which she
was vice president.
Her efforts earned her many awards, including Excellence in French and Excellence in Pre-Calculus, and she
was one of the STAR Students (highest SAT score). She
earned second place in the Regional Education Services
Agency Science Fair.
Smith was a youth leader for the Remnant Student
Ministry and a leader of the Connecting Chords Ministry.
She participated in two mission trips to Haiti and volunteered at a Relay For Life event and at the community's
animal shelter. As part of the Medical Reserve Corps competition team, she has helped to educate the public about
staying healthy and responding in emergencies.
Her planned career in radiology will be an extension
of this drive to serve.
"With this career, I will be able to [help and serve
others] daily," she says. "Being involved in my community
and helping others brings me so much joy. I believe that
this involvement will be a key factor in my success in college and my future."

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15D

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - July 2017