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Rotary to honor STAR students, teachers
The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program was created to focus public attention on Georgia's outstanding students and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. STAR students have the highest score on the Scholastic Assessment Test and are among the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. Each high school STAR student is asked to name his/her STAR teacher. Thomas Eli Harris, son of Genel Banks and Thomas Harris, was named the 2007 Early County High STAR student. Harris has chosen Leigh Ann Collins as his STAR teacher. The 2007 Southwest Georgia Academy STAR student is Thomas Patrick Corrigan, son of Martha and Chris Corrigan of Edison. Corrigan has chosen his English and journalism teacher, Sherri Newberry, as his STAR teacher.
Harris said he had no problem making his choice of math teacher Leigh Anne Collins as his STAR Teacher. In naming Collins, Harris says his decision was based upon a continuous respect for her knowledge and concern for students. "Mrs. Collins inspired me to enjoy math," said Harris. "Before her, I was indifferent on the subject; now I really like it." Harris admits that he did not master the math for the SAT alone. However Collins tutored him for the SAT, so he would be sure to do his best possible. "I would go to her and she would help me with my SAT math over and over," said Harris. Harris is in the top 10 percent of the senior class and is a member of the National English Merit Association and the National Honor Society. He is on the math team and is a club representative on the Student Council. He is involved in track and field and is a baseball umpire for the Early County Recreational Deparment.
Collins, who was also the STAR teacher at ECHS last year, was previously named STAR teacher at Randolph Southern in her third year teaching. She has taught Harris Algebra I and II, Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry. "Thomas has worked very hard for this honor and I am very proud of him," said Collins. "He has a natural gift for math. In fact, he is one of the most gifted students I have taught in my ten year career." Corrigan, the academic leader of his class, is currently the editor-in-chief of rently the editor-in-chief of the Warriors' Word. He participated in the Govenor's Honors program this past summer. Corrigan served as class treasurer his sophomore year and has been a member of the Student Council, Beta Club, H.A.N.D.S. Club and S.A.D.D. Club. He has also been part of the spring literary team and served as a Junior Marshall.
Corrigan is undecided on his plans for college. In naming Sherri Newberry his STAR teacher, Corrigan stated, "Miss Sherri has taught me English or journalism every year of high school, and has always, especially in my journalism class, challenged me to work to my full potential." "Thomas is a joy to teach because he is so self-disciplined and focused," stated Mrs. Newberry. "He is competitive, yet he loves learning for the sake of learning. He excels because he does not settle for second-best." "He has shown excellent leadership skills as editorin chief of the Warriors' Word. He sets a good example by being thorough, creative and punctual, yet he finds time to guide and assist other staff members." Newberry teaches 10th grade English, 11th grade honors English and journalism. She is adviser of the Warriors' Word and coaches oral interpretation. She has been teaching for 13 years, eight of those at SGA. She also teaches a youth Sunday School class at Arlington Baptist where she is co-chair of the youth team. She is married to Mike Newberry of Arlington and has one daughter, Michaelyn, age 14. During the past 48 years, the STAR Program has honored more than 20,000 high school seniors who have in turn chosen their STAR teachers to share in this recognition. The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) was selected in 1994 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to coordinate the statewide STAR Program in association with the Chamber and the Georgia Department of Education. Locally, the Blakely Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce sponsor and coordinate the STAR program.
The Rotary Club will present the two students $500 scholarships at Thursday's Rotary meeting and the chamber will present the teachers with a gift certificate.
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