Kennesaw Mountain High School senior Nolen Jarl was recognized on April 27 for his leadership on the boys tennis team and his efforts to support the Shepherd Center through a student-led fundraiser.
Jarl, who is a straight-A student and in the running for salutatorian, has played a key role as one-half of the school’s top doubles pair. He was voted doubles MVP as a junior and earned first team All-Region recognition. His leadership was highlighted by Head Coach Michael DeFusco, who said, “Nolen is the consummate teammate. He’s always lifting up his teammates. He helps run practices. He talks to the younger players to help build skills. He is a leader on and off the court.”
Jarl’s commitment extends beyond athletics into community service initiatives encouraged by Kennesaw Mountain High School, according to the official website. After experiencing personal tragedy when his grandparents were victims of a shooting in 2017—an event that left his grandfather with severe injuries—Jarl decided to honor their legacy by organizing a tennis tournament fundraiser benefiting Shepherd Center.
“I just wanted to do something to honor him,” Jarl said about his grandfather. “And I wanted to promote Shepherd Center because of the amazing work they did with him… So, it kind of just took off from there.” Over three years, he raised nearly $25,000 for Shepherd Center through this effort.
His mother Suzanne Jarl described her pride: “I’m thankful for the community support, and I’m beyond proud of Nolen. To take something like what happened and turn it around… I’m just very proud.”
The school has been recognized as Most Positive School in Cobb County and received multiple Advanced Placement honors according to its official website. It also excels in athletics as part of its programs according to its official website.
Nathan Stark serves as a notable personnel member at Kennesaw Mountain High School according to its official website. The school is affiliated with Cobb County School District according to its official website and is committed to building a community of learners while preparing students for college or careers according to its official website.
Reflecting on what he learned from tennis—and life—Jarl said: “Tennis has taught me how not to dwell on the past… but the most important point is the next point.”
