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Decatur Honors Star Students

The Decatur Rotary Club and the PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators) recognized the top students and teachers of Dekalb County by hosting the STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) awards at the Historic Dekalb Courthouse.

Over lunch and congratulations by dignitaries such as Andrea Arnold, Decatur City Manager, the students and teachers received their STAR certificates and Chick-fil-A gift certificates, and each high school winner had pictures taken.  Honored guests included Dr. Gyimah Whitaker, Superintendent of Decatur City Schools, Dr. Devon Horton, Superintendent of Dekalb County Schools, and many school board members from Decatur and DeKalb.

Each student was given a few moments to thank their STAR teachers, whom they nominated for impacting their education and lives. They also told the large crowd about their next steps as students and what they enjoy doing when not studying.

Several students and teachers were ‘System STAR Students’ who now go on to compete for region-wide honors within the 12 STAR Regions.  They are:

  • Chamblee Charter High School - STAR Student: Katherine Amelia Tanzola, Star Teacher: Mrs. Colleen Marin-Mendoza
  • Decatur High School: Star Student: Renato Dell’Osso IV, Star Teacher: Mr. David Custer
  • Marist School – Star Student: Jonathan Lee, Star teacher: Dr. Isaac Gitonga

“The Decatur Rotary Club is honored to host this fantastic event to honor students and teachers. We are all uplifted and encouraged to see and hear from some of the brightest students in our community and recognize the work of the fantastic teachers who inspire these students.  Since 1938, Decatur Rotary has worked hard to promote literacy and advocate for the Decatur community.” said Decatur Rotary President Dudley Larus.

In the second photo, Rotarian Tim Martin poses with one student's family; thanks to Tim for all his hard work on this program.

Posted by Art Rosser
March 30, 2025

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