Everything Under The Sun: A Talented Student From Annapolis High

Two student aides talk about a project with Principal Donald Lilley, left.

Let's check out one of the Maryland public high schools, ANNAPOLIS HIGH SCHOOL, to be exact, located in the State Capital. Interestingly, this high school has been in operation since 1896, one of the first in the entire State. Since that time, it has grown to accommodate 2,047 students. Among its programs is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, with a broad curriculum designed to prepare its students for university studies. In addition, there is a Performance and Visual Arts Programme for students with artistic skills and talent.

One of the students in the International Baccalaureate program is Mohamed Moneib, a senior. Because Mohamed was missing one of the usual four growth plates in his knee, his parents decided to give up their successful lives in Egypt and immigrate to the US when he was 5 years old. He endured four major and six minor surgeries to correct this defect.

In the summer of 2016, Mohamed volunteered with the same hospital's physical therapy department. He explained, "It was a pleasure to work with kids with similar disabilities." His now-corrected bone structure was thought to be "a pretty rare condition".

As a member of the National Honor Society since his sophomore year, Mohamed spends part of his Panther Hours (a lunch period split with study hall or club work) as a tutor with the math, science, and language departments. Just to show his capabilities in just one subject area, it can be noted that this talented youth is fluent in three languages - English, Arabic, and French.

Martin Noga, Mohamed's French teacher, said, "Mohamed is a remarkable human being and one of the few students I am always proud to call a true leader. He has an infectious personality that easily attracts people towards him. I can summarize Mohamed's personality as a true steward who always does things with humility, generosity of spirit and complete integrity."

Mohamed Moneib in front of the high school.

Both of Mohamed's parents have become naturalized citizens. His father is an insurance agent and his mother is an Arab language tutor. I bet they're both very proud of their son, too. Mohamed represents the caliber of student that we are all happy to have in the State of Maryland!