Two high-school seniors and two high-school teachers were specially honored at Thursday’s Chamber of Commerce breakfast, as they were recognized as Decatur County’s STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) winners.

The STAR student from Grace Christian Academy was Abbey Lane Smith, the daughter of Michael and Dena Smith. She selected math teacher Beth Sloan as her STAR teacher — each winning student is given the opportunity to select a teacher who made the biggest impact on that student’s academic growth.

(Please also see our editorial, “STAR students really shine.”)

The STAR student from Bainbridge High School was Anne Miller Reynolds, the daughter of Dr. John and Jean Reynolds. Her STAR teacher was Cindy Williams, who has taught math at BHS for 23 years and serves as the chairperson of the math department. Reynolds was also selected as the system-wide finalist, and will compete for region-wide and state-wide awards in the coming weeks.

In order to be selected as a STAR student, a high-school senior must have the highest score on the SAT and also be in the top 10-percent or top 10 of his or her graduating class, based on grade-point average.

Debbie McIntyre, the chairman of the Chamber’s education committee, presented the STAR students and teachers at Thursday’s breakfast, in front of a packed crowd at the Kirbo Center at Bainbridge College.

Reynolds has been active in the Anchor Club, Interact, National Honor Society and serves as a Golden Guide at BHS. She has also participated with the quiz bowl team, cross-country team and the tennis team. She is a graduate of the Chamber’s Youth Leadership Program and serves on the Leadership Steering Committee. Although she has not selected her future college, she plans to major in the biological sciences.

“I’ve had Mrs. Williams for three years now in math, and she’s been the best math teacher I’ve ever had,” Reynolds said. “She knows the material the best and I really understood it after she taught it to me. She’s also been the most energetic teacher I’ve ever had.”

Williams said she has “really enjoyed” having Reynolds as a student, and spoke well of her academic prowess.

“She’s a hard worker beyond description,” she said. “When I found out she was on the cross-country team, and would run in those marathons, I was like, ‘why?’ Such determination and nothing’s chasing you … but that’s how she approaches everything. She is so driven and motivated, and I just hope for a long and successful life ahead of her.”

Smith is also involved in extracurricular activities at Grace Christian Academy. She is a member of the cheerleading team, competition cheer squad, cross-country team, basketball team and Chaos dance team. Smith is also involved with the “Grace Goes Green” program and serves on the yearbook staff and National Honor Society. She is the senior class vice president and was recently the school’s homecoming queen.

Like Reynolds, she is a graduate of the Chamber’s Youth Leadership Program and serves on the Leadership Steering Committee. Smith plans to attend either Georgia or Mississippi State, and has not yet decided on her field of study.

Smith said she selected Sloan as her STAR teacher, because of her willingness to go the extra mile to make sure students understand the coursework.

“I had her my sophomore and junior year, and she’s a great math teacher,” Smith said. “She is willing to help you if you don’t get it. She stayed with me after school a few times to help me studying for the SAT. She’s a very hard-working teacher.”

Sloan spoke highly of Smith, as well.

“She is a very dedicated worker,” she said. “She just doesn’t quit. She keeps going until she understands it. She’s a hard-working girl and I’m proud of her.”

The STAR program is in its 54th year and is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Education. The Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce has served as the local sponsor since the program’s inception.

Please also see our editorial, “STAR students really shine.”