Jennah Hamdan has been selected as the Chagrin Valley Rotary Senior Student of the Month for January 2026, recognizing her outstanding academic achievements, extensive leadership, and deep commitment to community service.
Hamdan's academic excellence is exemplified by her earning an AP Capstone Diploma, a distinction that requires completion of the rigorous AP Seminar and AP Research courses. "AP Seminar and AP Research were challenging, but very rewarding courses that gave me insight into my writing process, how to research effectively, and work ethic," said Hamdan. She has also been named an AP Scholar with Distinction and maintained High Honor Roll status with a GPA of 4.0 or higher for six semesters.
Her passion for science is evident in her coursework and future plans. "Throughout my high school experience, my favorite class was AP Biology," Hamdan explained. "Although it is heavy in course content, I think the material is very interesting, and I always just wanted to know more. After AP Biology, I am confident that I will major in Biochemistry on the Pre-Med track."
Hamdan has also excelled in Chinese language studies for over six years, earning Gold in the 2024 Ohio Chinese Essay Contest, Silver in 2025, and Honorable Mention in 2023. She was recognized as the Chinese Tiger of the Semester in 2025 and is looking forward to traveling to China with the school this March. "We've built a community as a class," she shared.
In Speech and Debate, Hamdan has earned the National Speech and Debate Special Distinction Degree and a varsity letter from Chagrin Falls High School, placing at numerous tournaments throughout her high school career. "I'm also proud of all the times that I have placed at Speech and Debate Tournaments, as it rewards all of the time and effort I have put into it," she said.
Hamdan's leadership extends across multiple organizations. She serves as President of the Chagrin Falls High School Speech & Debate team, President and Founder of STEM Club, Executive Secretary of Student Council, an Executive Board Member of International Club, and as a Link Crew Leader. She was also selected as a Delegate for Buckeye Girls State.
"My proudest achievements are the ways I've helped my community through leadership," Hamdan said. "From these roles, I have gained experience in building community, taking initiative, and sharing my passion for learning and service with others. Leadership qualities that I value the most are service and humility. I embody both by leading with inclusion and encouraging collaboration to foster a better learning environment."
Community service is central to Hamdan's life. While she has volunteered throughout high school at events including Booville, Home Alone, and Gurney Elementary, her most meaningful service has been as a Care Rounder at University Hospitals on the Wound Care/Burn Unit. "There, I round on about 36 patients to provide comfort, help them with any non-medical needs, aid nurses when needed, make welcome baskets, and other tasks," she explained. "This role solidifies my future goal to become a physician because this first-hand patient interaction is what I enjoy and can see myself in a similar role."
Hamdan credits her family for inspiring her service-oriented approach. "My parents lead by example by always willing to help in any way they can, it's through them that I see what great people exemplify," she said. "My brother Adam is always willing to support me however he can, by previously giving me rides or words of advice. Without my family, I wouldn't be the same!"
Hamdan also holds Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification and participated on the tennis team during her sophomore year, enjoying the experience of being part of a team.
Following graduation, Hamdan plans to major in Biochemistry with a minor in Chinese Language and Culture on the Pre-Med track. "I've come to this decision because medicine combines my passion for service, science, and learning," she said. "I truly can't imagine doing anything else. After AP Biology and currently being in AP Chemistry, I'm confident I will succeed in this major. I chose to minor in Chinese as I'm in AP Chinese right now and love learning about it all."
As she awaits college admissions decisions, Hamdan's dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service exemplifies the values of the Chagrin Valley Rotary and the Chagrin Falls High School community.