Innovation Academy Celebrates Student Achievement at Evening of Excellence
April 28, 2025 2025-11-24 0:34Innovation Academy Celebrates Student Achievement at Evening of Excellence
Innovation Academy Celebrates Student Achievement at Evening of Excellence
Innovation Academy’s Evening of Excellence on April 22 celebrated student success with awards honoring academics, leadership, and service. Congratulations to all our award recipients, and thank you to the PTSO for supporting the evening’s reception.
Congratulations to our 2025 Evening of Excellence recipients:
Departmental Ember Awards:
The Ember Award recognizes one student from each department who exemplifies the heart and spirit of that academic area. These students embody Innovation Academy’s core values—Respect, Integrity, Self-motivation, and Empathy—through their passion, leadership, and consistent dedication to their learning community.
- Information Technology Ember Award: Cameron Behymer
- Engineering Ember Award: Kendall Henderson
- Health Science Ember Award: Anna Dziorney
- Social Studies Ember Award: Seren Parichabutr
- ELA Ember Award: Charlotte Chon
- Math Ember Award: Sreyas Sabbani
- Science Ember Award: Kaelyn Fu
- Research Ember Award: Bhavya Alapati
Departmental Scholar Awards:
Information Technology:
- Introduction to Digital Technology Scholar Award: Viraj Das
- AP Computer Science Principles Scholar Award: Rebanto Nath
- AP Computer Science A Scholar Award: Sam Mann
- Game Design Pathway Scholar Award: Jayden Hall
- Introduction to Cybersecurity Scholar Award: Ian Russell
- Advanced Cybersecurity Scholar Award: Michal Zolotov
- Embedded Computing Scholar Award: Siddharth Chintalapalli
- PGAS Course Scholar Award: Anna Donges
Engineering:
- Fundamentals of Engineering Scholar Award: Sai Abhignan Kaipa Vasudeva
- Engineering Concepts Scholar Award: Ethan Hemphill
- Engineering Applications Scholar Award: Olivia Veale
- RDAPM Scholar Award: Sam Copple-Goodman
- Music Technology Scholar Award: Tyler Nguyen
- AVTF Course Scholar Award: Eniola Famakinwa
Healthcare:
- Introduction to Healthcare Scholar Award: Lauren Thomas
- Biotechnology Essentials Scholar Award: Sounak Bhattacharjee
- Essentials to Healthcare Scholar Award: Leah Simmons
- Patient Care Pathway Scholar Award: Zachary Mattace
- Emergency Medical Responder Pathway Scholar Award: Gavin Wersland
- Surgical Technology Pathway Scholar Award: Emily Sloboda
- Biotechnology Applications Scholar Award: Pratyusha Soni
- Allied Health Scholar Award: Anna Parthiban
- Biotechnology Research Scholar Award: King Shi
Social Studies:
- AP Government Scholar Award: Viraj Das
- AP Human Geography Scholar Award: Lauren Trute
- AP World History Scholar Award: Sri Laasya Vadlamani
- Economics Scholar Award: Arthur Crawford
- Government Scholar Award: Meryem Abdulahi
- U.S. History Scholar Award: Gavin Kennedy
- World History Scholar Award: Sakina Chougle
- AP US History Scholar Award: Zayden Orenstein
- AP Microeconomics Scholar Award: Zinnun Malikov
- AP Macroeconomics Scholar Award: Melike Altunbasak
- AP Psychology Scholar Award: Catherine Rafferty
English/Language Arts:
- Honors 9th Grade Literature Scholar Award: Apurva Srimat Kandala
- 9th Grade Literature Scholar Award: Miranda Gomez
- 10th Grade Literature Scholar Award: Alexa McCarley
- Honors 10th Grade Literature Scholar Award: Claire Wang
- AP Seminar Scholar Award: Medhya Sivaganesh
- 11th Grade Literature Scholar Award: Bryce Baysden
- Honors 11th Grade Literature Scholar Award: Sushrith Kankanala
- AP Language and Composition Scholar Award: Aleksandra Greyenbuhl
- Multicultural Literature Scholar Award: Elm Wonn
- AP Literature Scholar Award: Emily Song
- Dramatic Writing Scholar Award: Gabrielle Siegel
- Advanced Composition Scholar Award: Sejal Whitaker
- Yearbook Scholar Award: Julia Bray
Mathematics:
- Algebra Scholar Award: Lakshmi Venkatachalam
- Geometry Scholar Award: AJ Espinall
- Honors Geometry Scholar Award: Viswa Venkatachalam
- Advanced Algebra Honors Scholar Award: Ryan Muro
- Advanced Algebra Scholar Award: Pritiben Patel
- Enhanced Advanced Algebra & AP Pre-Calculus Scholar Award: Edwin Dieker
- Pre-Calculus Scholar Award: Terrell Jackson Hall
- Linear Algebra Scholar Award: Johnathan Chen
- AP Pre-Calculus Scholar Award: Ojas Saxena
- AP Calculus AB Scholar Award: Mira ‘Kris’ Bhatikar
- AP Calculus BC Scholar Award: Sait Babanazarov
- AP Statistics Scholar Award: William Ramsey
- Calculus Scholar Award: Ahmed Syed
Science:
- Biology Scholar Award (9th Grade): Eren Erten
- Honors Biology Scholar Award: Austin Guy
- AP Biology Scholar Award: Bridget Flynn
- Super-Biology Scholar Award: Uddip Kashyap
- Super-Chemistry Scholar Award: Brian Nguyen
- Forensics Scholar Award: Saylor Brown
- Honors Chemistry Scholar Award: Sunwoo Jung
- AP Chemistry Scholar Award: Aadi Shah
- Earth Systems Scholar Award: Kirill McQuillin
- AP Environmental Science Scholar Award: Madison Liu
- AP Physics 1 Scholar Award: Tyler Nguyen
- Super-Physics Scholar Award: Anish Kelam
- Physics Scholar Award: Tara Bagheri
- Organic Chemistry Scholar Award: Seren Parichabutr
- AP Physics C Scholar Award: Vishwa Munagapati
- Astronomy Scholar Award: Rebecca Gottlieb
Research & TAG:
- AP Research Scholar Award: Shiv Garg
- Honors Research Scholar Award: Suvethika Venkat
- Research Scholar Award: Aarya Gopinath
- Internship Program Scholar Award: Shiv Garg
- Directed Study Program Scholar Award: William Kim
Governor’s Honors Program
- Sreepadha Daram: Agricultural Research, Biotechnology, and Science
- Pratyusha Soni: Agricultural Research, Biotechnology, and Science
- Lewi Bayssa: Engineering
- Ansh Mithani: Engineering
- Anooj Ekbote: Mathematics
- Brian Nguyen: Mathematics
- Audrey Sun: Mathematics
- Aleksandra Greyenbuhl: Science
- Arjun Nair: Science
- Aadi Shah: Science
- Akshaj Dewan: Social Studies
- Arianna Huff: Visual Arts
- Mary-Allison Alysworth: Communicative Arts (Alternate)
2025 PTSO Scholarship Recipients:
- Seren Parichabutr: Engineering Pathway
- Chloe Sun: Information Technology Pathway
- Risha Khanna: Health Sciences Pathway
- Adya Srinivasan: Community Service
Odyssey Awards:
The Odyssey Award is one of Innovation Academy’s highest student honors, recognizing individuals in each grade level who best embody the IA Traits—Inquisitive, Collaborative, Creative, Analytical, Well-rounded, Empathetic, Flexible, and Driven. Nominated by their peers and selected by staff, these students represent the spirit and values of the IA community.
- 9th Grade: Flynn Dickson
- 10th Grade: Mary-Allison Alysworth
- 11th Grade: Charlotte Chon
- 12th Grade (Tie): Samanyu Bhupalam and Ethan Webber
Junior Book Awards:
- Brandeis Book Award: Aleksandra Greyenbuhl
Awarded to a high school junior who demonstrates a strong commitment to civic engagement, community service, political activism, or social justice. This honor recognizes students who use their voices and actions to make a meaningful impact in the world around them. - Brown Book Award: Charlotte Chon
Presented to a student who combines academic excellence with exceptional clarity in written and spoken expression. The award celebrates intellectual depth and effective communication across disciplines. - University of Chicago Book Award: Sait Babanazarov
Recognizes a student who exemplifies a passion for critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning. This award honors those who seek knowledge through curiosity and a bold, questioning spirit. - Columbia University Book Award: Siddharth Chintalapalli
Given to a top academic student who demonstrates commitment to an endeavor beyond the classroom. This award celebrates leadership, initiative, and dedication to personal and academic growth. - Georgia Tech Award: Matthew Huang
Honors a student who embodies the values of “Progress and Service.” This student demonstrates academic integrity, leadership, and a passion for using knowledge to better their community. - Harvard Book Award: Audrey Sun
Presented to the most outstanding member of the junior class as measured by scholarship, character, and achievement in other fields. This prestigious award recognizes intellectual excellence and leadership. - Johns Hopkins Book Award: Sreepadha Daram
Recognizes a student with a strong moral character and a desire for both intellectual and personal growth. It is awarded to a well-rounded scholar who seeks to make a difference. - Ohio State Book Award: Anish Kelam
Awarded to a student who excels in advanced science and mathematics and demonstrates positive character both inside and outside the classroom. This honor celebrates academic rigor and integrity. - Phi Beta Kappa Award: Siddarth Suresh
Presented to a student who demonstrates the highest levels of academic achievement, ethical standards, and social responsibility. This award reflects a deep commitment to learning and community. - Smith College Book Award: Tara Bagheri
Honors an outstanding young woman who exemplifies academic achievement, leadership qualities, and compassion for others. This award recognizes students who lift others while excelling themselves. - University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award: Yusuf Abdulahi
Given to a student who reflects Jeffersonian ideals of scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. This honor is reserved for those who are both thinkers and change-makers. - Yale Book Award: Hannah Glaison
Recognizes a student who demonstrates exceptional intellectual ability, academic drive, and leadership beyond the classroom. This award honors curiosity, resilience, and service. - University of Rochester – Bausch and Lomb Science Award: Christopher Nguyen
Awarded to a student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement in science and math, along with meaningful contributions to their school and community. This student shows both brilliance and balance. - University of Rochester – Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award: Kaitlyn Arango
Recognizes a student committed to social justice, leadership, and academic excellence in the humanities or social sciences. This award honors those who seek to create meaningful change. - University of Rochester – George Eastman Young Leaders Award: Pratyusha Soni
Presented to a student who exhibits strong leadership skills, high academic achievement, and extensive involvement in school activities. This award celebrates students who lead with integrity and vision. - University of Rochester – Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology: Tyler Nguyen
Awarded to a student who demonstrates a passion for innovation, problem-solving, and technology. This honor celebrates creative thinkers in the digital age.
UGA Certificate of Merit
The UGA Certificate of Merit is awarded by the University of Georgia to high school juniors who rank in the top 10% of their class and have demonstrated strong academic achievement throughout high school. This prestigious recognition honors students for their dedication to academic excellence and their potential for continued success in higher education. Recipients are part of a long-standing tradition celebrating Georgia’s most promising scholars.
| Srishti Agrawal | Jad Meliani |
| Sait Babanazarov | Harshita Nekkanti |
| Tara Bagheri | Tyler Nguyen |
| Charlotte Chon | Zayden Orenstein |
| Shania Correia | Ashitha Puvvada |
| Sreepadha Daram | Vasumathi Rajaji |
| Bridget Flynn | Vaishnavi Reddy |
| Manashyu Gadia | Aadi Shah |
| Shiv Garg | Emily Sloboda |
| Hannah Glaison | Pratyusha Soni |
| Aleksandra Greyenbuhl | Audrey Sun |
| Vibhor Gupta | Siddarth Suresh |
| Matthew Huang | Yash Thokala |
| Mariam Hussain | Ashrith Vemireddy |
| Sriya Karnik | Naomi Webber |
| Anish Kelam | Dahyun Yang |
| Joo Eun (Lucy) Lee |
Senior Awards
- Senior Spotlight: Jin Han
Recognized by Fulton County Schools for exceptional accomplishments and representing the spirit and success of the Class of 2025. - STAR Student: Christopher Lee
Awarded to the senior with the highest SAT score on a single test date and ranking in the top 10% of the class. - STAR Teacher: Dr. Ginny Berkemeier
Selected by the STAR Student as the educator who most influenced their academic development. - Salutatorian: Ridwan Ahmed
Honored as the second-highest ranked graduate based on cumulative GPA. - Valedictorian: Ramin Goziyev
Recognized as the highest-ranked graduate in the Class of 2025 for exceptional academic achievement.
