The 2024 STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Students and Teachers for the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) were announced at the Kiwanis Club of Griffin luncheon today. They are:
Griffin High School (GHS)
Madison Harrell – STAR Student
Melanie Underwood - STAR Teacher
Spalding High School (SHS)
Miles Stansberry - STAR Student
Amy Simpkins - STAR Teacher
To be named a STAR student, a high school senior must have the highest score on any single test date of the SAT taken through the November test date of their senior year and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. The STAR teacher is selected by the declared high school STAR student for making the most significant contribution to their academic development.
GHS STAR Student Madison Harrell plans to attend nursing school and then get her master’s degree to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. Harrell chose her English Teacher Melanie Underwood as her STAR Teacher. Harrell said, “I can talk to Ms. Underwood about anything and she will always listen and encourage me. I am very grateful for her.”
Underwood stated, “Madison’s sharp wit and keen intelligence impressed me. She makes me laugh, think and pushes me. She has an innate curiosity and focus that makes her succeed. I know that she will have a successful career in medicine.”
SHS STAR Student Miles Stansberry has not committed to a college yet but is leaning toward Auburn or UGA to study engineering of some sort. Stansberry chose his English Teacher Amy Simpkins as his STAR Teacher. Stansberry stated, “Ms. Simpkins is an amazing teacher who cares about all of her students. She teaches with patience and never gives up. She gave me constructive criticism to make me better and pushed me to be successful.”
Simpkins stated, “Miles is one of the most remarkable young men I have had the privilege of teaching in 18 years. He has remarkable tenacity and resilience which can’t be taught but can be measured. He is dedicated to his goals and I know he succeed in all of his future endeavors.
Spalding High School STAR Student Miles Stansberry and his STAR Teacher Amy Simpkins were announced as the county-wide district STAR Student and Teacher. The district STAR Student will compete for region-wide honors in the 12 STAR Regions. Region winners and their STAR Teachers then compete for the Georgia state STAR scholarships and awards.
The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) serves as the state coordinator of the STAR Program. The program is now in its 66th year and has honored more than 29,000 students and their teachers.