March 2024 Student of the Month

Our Student of the Month for March is Makayla Oates, a senior at the School of Liberal Studies at Savannah High School. This outstanding student is president of the National Honor Society, Drum Major of the Savannah High School band last Fall, and was nominated for the Governor’s Honor Program AND State Superintendent Richard Woods’ Student Advisory Committee! In a few short weeks, she will take the stage at Enmarket Arena as Valedictorian of her class and a Superintendent’s Honor Graduate.  

Makayla is a member of the varsity volleyball and basketball teams, and the track and field and power weightlifting teams. She has completed three pathways during her time at Savannah High: Culinary Arts, Fine Arts, and Foreign Language. She is a senior ambassador for 3DE, a member of FCCLA and DECA, and is the Graphic Designer and Photographer for the yearbook. Our student serves her community through her church media team, ensuring those who cannot attend in person can view the services online. She also volunteers with the Archonette Group of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority with such services as making sandwiches for the homeless and easter baskets for less fortunate children.  

Listen to what Principal Pottenger said about Makayla: “This scholar has demonstrated drive, grit, and determination by continuing to take the most rigorous courses offered at Savannah High School including Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment through Savannah State. She encourages her peers to excel academically, to get to class and school on time, builds positive relationships with peers, and sets examples in the classroom for others to follow.”

When asked what motivates her, Makayla said, “My faith and family motivate me to strive for academic success. Being better than the day before and living by the scripture from Second Thessalonians, chapter 3, verse 10: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.’”

Makayla plans to attend the University of Georgia next year to pursue a major in Mass Communications and a minor in Mathematics.  Makayla is taking home 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. Makayla and students from her English Language Arts class will receive copies of her favorite book – The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis – from our sponsor, E. Shaver Booksellers. Lastly, she will take home a portrait provided by Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools. Again, congratulations to Makayla, her family, and the Savannah High Blue Jacket family! And special thanks to her nominator, Principal Stacie Pottenger.