STAR: Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Program

STAR teachers and students were celebrated at our February 15th meeting. The LaGrange Rotary Club is an original sponsor of this program and has participated in it since its conception in 1959. Five area high schools participated in this event with each school identifying the senior who had to be in the top 10% of their class and have the highest score in one sitting on the SAT through November of their senior year.

The countywide student winner in this year's LaGrange Rotary STAR program is Seungu Cho Lee. Lee is from LaGrange High School and his STAR teacher is Dr. Charles Whiddon. Lee said Dr. Whiddon had challenged him in his AP Physics class like he never had been before. Lee sited Whiddon for helping him decide what career path he wants to pursue.

This program provides an additional valuable link between our schools and our club. For the cost of approximately 36 lunches students get an opportunity to practice their public speaking skills, publicly thank a teacher who made a difference in their lives, showcase their accomplishments and share their ambitions with our Rotary members.

The time that is involved includes communication with school district officials, representatives from the area newspapers and planning for the actual event.

This program is also covered by three different area papers so it does give the schools and our club positive press coverage but more importantly a chance to celebrate the achievements of our most talented and deserving high school seniors.