Thursday, two of Decatur County’s brightest high-school seniors were recognized as the recipients of the annual STAR Student of the Year.

Abbey Lane Smith was chosen from Grace Christian Academy, and Anne Miller Reynolds was the recipient from Bainbridge High School. Reynolds was also selected as the system champion, and will continue on to regional and state recognition.

Each student was also asked to select a special teacher as their “STAR Teacher of the Year.” That teacher is chosen by the student based on having the biggest impact on their academic success, or just for being a good friend. Smith chose math teacher Beth Sloan, while Reynolds picked math teacher Cindy Williams.

It was especially nice that the announcement of these students and teachers came at the monthly Chamber of Commerce breakfast, inside the Kirbo Center at Bainbridge College. It is important for these young people to get public recognition, and there is no better place for that than before an audience of local business owners and leaders. After all, students like Smith and Reynolds will be future leaders.

We congratulate this year’s STAR Students and Teachers of the Year.