TARAB AJJAN: Salutatorian, swimming and keeping Georgia beautiful

Tarab Ajjan is this year’s “Star Student” at Stratford, as well as salutatorian of 2017.

One thing she will miss about Stratford is the several connections she has made throughout the years with both students and teachers.

“I’ve really enjoyed all of the connections that I’ve made with the people here and I’m really going to miss my grade a lot because I really do love my grade,’’ Tarab said.

Last year, she was honored with the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful “Youth of the Year” award. In December, she was named recipient of the Keep Georgia Beautiful” “Youth of the Year” award. Recently, she was named the City of Macon’s 2017 Earth Day Student of the Year.  

One of her biggest passions is helping the Syrian crisis because she has family there and both of her parents are from Syria, creating an impact on her life. Last year, she was named winner of the local Rotary Club speech competition. Her speech was on the Syrian crisis.

Tarab plays lacrosse and has been a part of the “Weagles” swim team since eighth grade and enjoyed the gratitude her team members contribute.

“I love the Weagles and the connection we have because we’re such a close team,’’ she said. “Coach Morrison has done a lot to make us such a close team as well as a good team. I’m going to miss the Weagles a lot.”

She hopes to continue swimming because she enjoys working out and being active. Tarab’s favorite things about being a senior is knowing that all of the hard work and effort has paid off and knowing where her future is headed.

When asked if she had any advice for high schoolers, Tarab replied: “Do not care about what people say about you or what they think of you, just do what makes you happy and what will make you succeed.”

Tarab plans to attend Georgia Tech in the fall and pursue a career in pre-med and attain a major in chemistry or physics.