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STARs shining brightly
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Effingham County High STAR Student Raoul Rego smiles alongside his choice for STAR Teacher, Sara Huntley. - photo by Photo by Paul Floeckher

The Rotary Club of Effingham County honored two of the county’s best students Thursday at its annual STAR Student luncheon, recognizing the student with the highest SAT score at the county’s two high schools.

This year's Effingham County High STAR Student is Raoul Rego. He chose Sara Huntley as his STAR Teacher.

South Effingham High's STAR Student, Savannah Wagner, selected Tina Crapse as her STAR Teacher.

Rego, the district-wide STAR student, will represent Effingham County in the regional competition.

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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