The Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Scholarship program selected Altamont School student Raju Sudarshan as its 2025 winner for Area 3A of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The program’s mission is to recognize students who, by ability and effort, have achieved excellence in both academics and athletics, and who motivate and encourage all segments of the student population to strive to be the best they can be.In addition to being active in many school activities, Raju is one of three Altamont National Merit Scholar semifinalists this year and a multisport athlete with a distinguished record of achievement and leadership in cross country, indoor track, outdoor track, soccer, and tennis. Altamont Latin teacher Jamie Rediker has coached Raju as a runner for 11 seasons and nominated him for this year’s honor. “Raju’s resume in running is one of the most decorated in my 11 years of coaching,” Rediker wrote in his nomination. “Raju’s leadership in our running program has been superb. Electing him as boys’ team captain this year was a quick and easy decision—our team of 20-plus boys follows his guidance every practice, every race, every success, and every challenge. He is a cerebral athlete who deftly pairs his academic acumen with physical talent to maximize training and performance. Raju’s diligence in training is infectious, and our boys’ team collectively is one of my strongest ever because those behind him follow his example.” – contributed by Sean Flynt