Stephens Co. Names STAR Student, Teacher

Stephens County names its STAR Student and Teacher for 2015.

Wednesday, this year’s winners were recognized in a ceremony at Stephens County High School.

This year’s STAR Student is Kris Clark of Toccoa.

Clark said he is honored to receive this honor and represent Stephens County High School.

“I hope to represent my school, my friends, and my family at the regional competition and maybe even on to state,” said Clark.

Clark is the son of Melissa and Lawrence Clark.

He chose Mr. Kenneth Camp as his STAR teacher.

Camp is teaching Clark in AP Biology this year.

Clark said Camp has had a tremendous impact on him during his time in school.

“As a teacher, he fostered my love of science and scientific inquiry,” said Clark.

From left to right:   SCHS Principal Sandy Steele, STAR Teacher Kenneth Camp, Melissa Clark, STAR Student Kris Clark, Lawrence Clark, Stephens Co. School Superintendent Bryan Dorsey

From left to right: SCHS Principal Sandy Steele, STAR Teacher Kenneth Camp, Melissa Clark, STAR Student Kris Clark, Lawrence Clark, Stephens Co. School Superintendent Bryan Dorsey

Meanwhile, Camp said being named a STAR teacher is perhaps the highest honor a teacher can receive.

“When you get selected STAR teacher, that student has been with you every step of the way,” said Camp. “They know how you teach. They know the type of things you do to try to connect with the students. Really, it just says you are connected and building relationships that will last past graduation.”

Camp went on to say that Clark is a tremendous student.

“He is probably among the 10 strongest students I have ever taught,” said Camp. “It is not an if, but a when, he is going to do something big with his future.”

Clark’s plans include studying engineering at Georgia Tech.

Clark will now represent Stephens County at the Regional STAR Competition later this year.

The STAR, or Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, program is in its 57th year and is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Foundation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Department of Education.

To obtain the STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the three-part SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.