February 2024 Student of the Month

Our Student of the Month for February is Allen Zheng, a senior at Jenkins High School. This outstanding young man is an AP Scholar with Distinction.  He is Vice President of the Robotics team and serves as its Lead Mechanical Driver. He is a member of the Model UN teams which earned Distinguished Delegation in 2023 and Honorable Delegation in 2022; is secretary of the Math Team, and Vice President of the National Honor Society.   

Allen has a heart for community service. He has participated in the Robotics team Beach Sweep and is a key member of “Socktober” hosting a school-wide donation drive to provide socks for the homeless.  He has taken the lead in mentoring “rookie” Robotics team members, he started a tutoring program for Coastal Middle School, and he volunteers at Oatland Island!    

Allen started his education in China. His family moved to the United States when he was just 4 and he had to start all over by learning English. After some work in our ESOL program, he began to master his new language and last spring received a 5 on the Advanced Placement (AP) Language examination.  

His nominator, Ms. Angelina Muskin, says: “He consistently proves he is an active student by bringing in practice work for problems he completes outside of class. This reinforces his knowledge and passion for the content, which is reflected in his ‘A+’ average…. He shows great initiative in all phases of the Jenkin’s Robotic program.  He will be missed when he graduates.”  

When asked what motivates him to strive for academic success, Allen says, “Success isn’t dependent on what’s given to you but what you are willing to put in for the success."  

Allen plans to attend Georgia Tech in the Aerospace Engineering College, and one day hopes to lead aerospace projects. Allen recieved multiple gifts from our community partners – gift cards from Members First Credit Union, Georgia United Credit Union, Plant Riverside District Gelato, Savannah Music Festival, and The Five Spot restaurant; plus merchandise from Advertising Specialties, Savannah State University, Georgia Southern University, Gulfstream, and Bahama Joes. Allen and students in his English/Language Arts class will receive printed copies of his favorite book – Witch and Wizard: The Kiss by James Patterson  – from our sponsor E. Shaver Booksellers. He also recieved a portrait by Upscale Photography provided by Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. 

Congratulations to Allen, his family, and the entire Jenkins High School family!  And special thanks to nominator Angelina Muskin.