Bridgeport High School Principal Renee' Mathews has announced that James Hadjis and Stella Rubi are the September, 2025 Students of the Month. Below is a profile of each student.

James Hadjis is the youngest of six and the son of Gregory and Diana Hadjis of Bridgeport, West Virginia. A distinguished scholar and leader, James has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout his academic career. He has been recognized as a National Rural and Small Town Scholar, an AP Scholar, and is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. He is also a recipient of the West Virginia Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. James’ dedication to his education is evident in his coursework. Upon graduation, James will have completed 8 AP courses.

In addition to his academic achievements, James is a highly regarded student leader. He served as the Webmaster of Key Club and was President of the Spanish Club during his junior year. Currently, James serves as President of Model United Nations and as Senior Class Vice President.

His leadership has been further recognized through his selection as one of two students from his school to attend the prestigious West Virginia Governor’s Honors Academy. He has also been named a Big Future Ambassador, a delegate to the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar, and a member of the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State, where he was elected Supreme Court Justice.

James is deeply committed to community service and his faith. He volunteers at the Mustard Seed, serves as an altar server at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and works as Head Lifeguard at the Bridgeport Country Club pool. Additionally, he provides swimming lessons to local youth and volunteers as an assistant coach for the BCC Sharks swim team.

As an accomplished athlete, James has earned numerous accolades in swimming. He qualified for the YMCA National Swim Meet in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has received several honors, including First Team All-State, First Team All-County, and All-County Male Swimmer of the Year. He is a state champion in the 50-yard breaststroke and a member of the state record-holding relay teams in both the 200- and 400-yard freestyle events.

James is known for his dedication, leadership, and work ethic. Following his graduation from Bridgeport High School, he aspires to attend one of the United States service academies, where he hopes to continue his academic, athletic, and leadership pursuits in service to his country.

Stella Rubi, the daughter of Dr. Dionisio and Melissa Rubi, has excelled in both academics and extracurriculars during her time at BHS. She has earned a place on the perfect honor roll every semester. By the time of graduation, Stella will have completed several Honors and Dual Enrollment courses, as well as nine Advanced Placement courses. After earning passing scores on all AP exams, she was recognized as a College Board AP Scholar with Honor during her junior year. Through her Spanish studies, Stella also achieved the Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Stella was recently named a 2026 National Merit Semifinalist, a prestigious award earned by less than 1% of American high school students.

Beyond the classroom, Stella was the WV State Science Fair Runner-up in the Behavioral and Social Sciences division and also won the American Psychological Association Award for Achievement in Research in Psychological Science. As a sophomore, she was selected to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar. She was also chosen to participate in the Girls Who Code summer program for the past two summers. In addition to participating in the Perry Outreach Program biomedical career exploration day during her sophomore year, Stella was selected to attend the Clinical Anatomy Summer Experience at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine this past summer.

Stella has participated in many extracurricular activities and has served in numerous leadership roles throughout high school. She is the current BHS Spanish Club President and Student Body Treasurer. Stella has been an active member of BHS Student Council for the past four years, serving on Executive Board and also as Class Treasurer during her sophomore and junior years. Stella is a member of the BHS Model United Nations Executive Board, a member of BHS Art Club, and was Treasurer of BHS Girl Up Club. Stella was a founding member of the BHS Robotics Team. She is an active member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She is most proud of her role as founder of the STEM Sisters after school program, which she leads at Bridgeport Middle School to inspire young girls to explore and develop their interest in STEM.

Stella is a member of the BHS Tennis Team and competed in Regionals last season. She was also a member of the BHS Dance Team during her freshman year.

In her free time, Stella enjoys playing guitar, painting, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Stella is undecided as to where she will attend college, but she plans to major in Neuroscience and pursue a career in medicine.