Two North Springs Students Earn Prestigious Statewide Honors

State School Superintendent Richard Woods and the Georgia Department of Education honored two exceptional North Springs High School seniors who earned distinguished statewide recognitions that underscore their academic dedication and global engagement. Dior Athj earned Georgia’s International Skills Diploma Seal Star Student and Beck Ballowe was named the Georgia Seal of Biliteracy Star Student. These prestigious recognitions will appear on the graduates’ diplomas and transcripts.

The Georgia Department of Education grants the International Skills Diploma Seal to students who complete a globally focused curriculum, including coursework in world languages and other globally focused courses. They must also participate in community service and extracurricular activities with a global focus. Among these high achievers, North Springs staff selected Athj as the International Skills Diploma Seal Star Student for 2025, a special distinction for individuals who exhibit exceptional leadership and impact in promoting international understanding.

Athj commented, “I’ve always been passionate about learning other cultures and understanding different perspectives. This recognition encourages me to keep exploring the world and using those insights to make a positive impact. I'm planning to attend Rice University on a pre-med track, and my knowledge of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture will be valuable in my studies and future career as a travel nurse.”

The Seal of Biliteracy Star Student award indicates language proficiency and signals businesses and educational agencies that the recipient has achieved, at minimum, proficiency in both English and at least one world language. This accomplishment reflects rigorous academic preparation and a strong commitment to bilingual communication - an increasingly essential skill in today’s global society.

Ballowe, North Springs’ 2025 Seal of Biliteracy Star Student, noted, “Latin at North Springs is so much more than just the language - the community I have found here and the amazing teaching is what motivated me to keep going as far as I have. I love the language itself; we really have something special here.”

While Georgia serves more than 1.7 million public school students, these honors are reserved for a small percentage of graduates. Schools identify qualified students who must apply and fulfill all award requirements. Both recognitions are part of Georgia’s broader effort to prepare students for success in an interconnected world. The International Skills Diploma Seal and Seal of Biliteracy honor academic excellence and reflect the students' preparedness for college, career, and civic life in a multicultural landscape.

“These accomplishments are a testament to our students’ initiative, resilience, and readiness to contribute to a global society,” said Julie Ferris, North Springs Spanish Teacher/World Language Department Chair. “We are proud of Dior and Beck for their hard work and the example they set for our school community.”