By Beth Pann and Samantha Hutcherson
The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) announced that Maynard Jackson junior Sydney Long has been selected to become a member of the esteemed organization. The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship, and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS founder and Chairman Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes.
“On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment that Sydney has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Mr. Nobel. “Sydney is now a member of a unique community of scholars—a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”
Sydney started Pre-K at Light of The World Christian Academy and was skipped to Kindergarten the second day of school. Sydney transferred to Parkside Elementary in the second grade. While there she joined the Atlanta Public Schools Honor Chorus, the Beta Club, the basketball team, and the Parkside Panderetts dance team. Sydney attended Charles Drew Charter School for her middle school years. There she remained in the Beta Club, came in second place at the state science fair, and continued to excel. Sydney also became a member of the National Young Leaders State Program for the Congressional Youth Leadership Council. Sydney is currently a junior, enrolled at Maynard Jackson High School. Sydney remains in the Beta Club and attended Devry University this past summer where she earned her first official college credits in human anatomy and physiology. Sydney is also dually enrolled at Atlanta Technical College. Sydney has been an honor student every year since starting school. She has over 120 awards, trophies, honor cords, medals, and certificates.
“Our vision is to build a dynamic international organization that connects members with meaningful content, resources, and opportunities,” stated NSHSS President James W. Lewis. “We aim to help students like Sydney build on their academic successes and enhance the skills and desires to have a positive impact on the global community.”
Membership in NSHSS entitles qualified students to enjoy a wide variety of benefits, including scholarship opportunities, academic competitions, free events, member-only resources, publications, participation in programs offered by educational partners, personalized recognition items, and publicity honors.
Formed in 2002, The National Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and encourages members of the organization to apply their unique talents, vision, and potential for the betterment of themselves and the world. NSHSS provides scholarship opportunities for deserving young people. Currently there are more than 830,000 Society members in over 160 countries. For more information about NSHSS, visit www.nshss.org.
