By CHARLES MINSHEW
charles.minshew@gaflnews.com
Two area organizations were recognized Thursday for their 50 years of sponsorship of the STAR Student and Teacher Program in their respective counties.
Tom Wommack, director of Legislative and Legal Services and president of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation presented plaques to both the Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce in Crisp County and the Rochelle Lions Club in Wilcox County.
Both organizations are part of an elite group of 65 charter organizations that have sponsored the STAR program since its inception in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
According to information released by PAGE, 165 organizations across the state have honored over 21,000 high school seniors and their teachers. Local winners go on to regional STAR competitions for the chance to be named state STAR student.
Each year, the student with the highest score on the SAT at his or her high school is honored as that year’s STAR student. The student then picks the teacher who has had the greatest impact on his or her education as the STAR teacher.
Wommack, along with 2nd District Membership Services Representative Linda Parton, made a presentation to Cordele-Crisp Chamber Chairman Noel Williams and Chamber President Monica Simmons at their office on 16th Avenue.
Wommack said, “Since 1995 the STAR student and teacher program has been a vehicle for promoting academic excellence in school systems.”
“Education is definitely a premium,” Williams said. “Each year the kids just get smarter and smarter.” Williams also spoke of the appreciation that the Chamber has for the program.
Each year, the Cordele-Crisp Chamber holds a joint meeting with area civic clubs to present the STAR students from both Crisp Academy and Crisp County High School with a plaque and a $250 scholarship.
Simmons said, “It’s a great program that recognizes the top academic students.We’re just happy to do it.”
Wommack then traveled to Rochelle to present a plaque to the Lions Club. PAGE 8th District Membership Services Representative Ken Colson also attended. Approximately 20 people joined the PAGE representatives for a the luncheon at the Rochelle Community Center.
Donnie Clack, president-elect of the Lions Club, opened the presentation with recognition of some of the STAR students, STAR teachers, and relatives of those individuals that were present.
Clack also spoke about the impact that local STAR students have had on the small community of Rochelle and Wilcox County. Some have returned to the city and have started successful businesses.
“Local small town communities make our state great,” Wommack said. “The PAGE Foundation cannot thank you enough.”
For more than 15 years, the Rochelle Lions Club has provided each STAR student with a $1,000 scholarship to use at the college or university of their choice. The student and teacher are also honored with a banquet.
“The STAR program is a highlight of our calendar year. We think highly of it,” Clack said. “I think it’s an excellent way to recognize the students and teachers at the high school.”
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Crisp Chamber, Rochelle Lions Club earn honors
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