RINCON — Effingham County’s brightest high school students were honored by the Rotary Club of Effingham County on Thursday.
Daniel Ehret of South Effingham High School was named the Effingham County School District’s overall STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) student. Steven Boyles and Nathan Dickey of Effingham County High School were also recognized as STAR designates..
Awards were presented by Superintendent Dr. Randy Shearouse and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford.
Erin Wright of SEHS was named STAR teacher. She was thanked by Ehret for her support and inspiration.
Kenza Murray of Ebenezer Middle School and Lynn Kennedy of ECHS were also bestowed the honor of STAR teacher.
Ford, the current Rotary president and incoming superintendant, said, “The Rotary Club is proud to be the local sponsor of the student-teacher recognition program known as ‘STAR.’ The STAR program is designed to recognize high school seniors who have the highest SAT score in their graduating class and met all other program requirements.”
In order to be nominated, a student must have the highest SAT score on any single test date and scores must not be combined on two or more test dates. Nominees’ SAT scores must be equal to or higher than the SAT national average score on the evidence-based reading and math sections.
This year the scores are higher than 531 on reading and 528 in math. Students must also be among the top 10 students numerically.
Ford said, “STAR teachers are chosen by the declared High School STAR student for having made the most significant contribution to the STAR student’s scholastic development.”
He said Ehret will attend the regional recognition event at Georgia Southern University.
The trio of STAR students told the audience about their school backgrounds, what their post-high school plans are and how their teachers helped shape their lives.
Ehret told the audience that he plans to attend Georgia Tech where he hopes to study electrical engineering.
Wright told the group, “I was so proud of Daniel and how much he had grown since the ninth grade, not only intellectually but also socially.”
Shearouse acknowledged the broad spectrum of learning being represented at this year's STAR program in having students involved in English, Science and Music.
In other Rotary Club business, Shirley Wilson and Herb Jones were recognized for their long service to Rotary and their community. The club also presented a cake honoring Wilson’s 80th birthday and Jones’ 90th birthdays. The cake was served following the day’s program.
