The Rotary Club of Americus recently honored local STAR Students and Teachers from Americus-Sumter County High School (ASCHS), Furlow Charter School, and Southland Academy. On July 14, the club hosted STAR Student Joyabhishek “Joy” Charles and STAR teacher Ms. Phoenicia Cummings from Americus-Sumter High School, and Moses Simmons and Mrs. Liz Noler, STAR Student and Teacher from Furlow Charter School. Joy will be studying Biochemistry/Pre-Med at Georgia Tech and when asked about his choice of STAR Teacher, exclaimed “Ms. Cummings is one of the most influential teachers I have had. She helped reignite a passion for learning math, and she continually emphasized the importance of maintaining a growth mindset, something that I know I will treasure in the years to come”. Moses Simmons will be at Georgia Southwestern State University in the fall, but plans to transfer to Georgia Tech to study Mechanical Engineering. His STAR Teacher, Mrs. Liz Noler, who has since moved out of state, was able to join virtually and described her surprise when receiving the honor after having been gone for over two years. “It was a joy to teach Moses for three years,” said Noler, “He was always eager to learn and his characteristics of intelligence and competitiveness bring him rightfully to this this award. I am excited to see what the future holds for him!”

Tyler Joyner and Patty Webb, STAR Student and STAR Teacher from Southland Academy were recognized at the July 21 meeting. Tyler will attend the University of Georgia in the fall to pursue a degree in biology. When describing Mrs. Webb, Tyler remarked “through the last few years, I have learned many math equations and many problem-solving skills from her, but I have also learned how one teacher can greatly affect the lives of his or her students.” Mrs. Webb has been in education for over 30 years and had the pleasure of teaching Tyler a number of classes, including two dual-enrollment courses. She referred to Tyler as one of the rare students that just “gets it” and one who “when he entered the room, the atmosphere immediately changed” bringing a smile to bear with his pleasant demeanor.

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s highest achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. Since its creation in 1958, the STAR program has honored nearly 27,500 students, who have in turn chosen their STAR Teachers to share in this recognition. Every accredited high school in Georgia is eligible to participate in this preeminent student/teacher academic recognition. The Rotary Club of Americus is honored to annually recognize these exceptional students and teachers and pleased to award each with a monetary gift and certificate.