Clarke Central High School senior and CCSD STAR Student Avery Warner poses for a photo with CCHS Principal Marie Yuran, math department teacher and CCSD STAR Teacher Joy Sapp and Warner’s parents. Warner was recognized for her accomplishments in academics, standardized testing and extracurriculars. “I will always remember Avery for her insightful questions and her ability to make connections between what she is learning and what she has learned. Avery’s diligence in striving for excellence is inspirational to us all,” Sapp said in a press release. Photo courtesy of Avery Warner.
By HANNAH GALE – Print Sports Editor
The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce honored two Clarke County School District seniors who have excelled in academics, standardized testing and extracurriculars.
On Feb. 22, Clarke Central High School senior Avery Warner and Cedar Shoals High School senior Geoffrey Mon were named STAR Students at the Athens Rotary Club luncheon, along with the two teachers of their choosing, also known as the STAR Teacher.
“We extend our most sincere congratulations to this year’s STAR Students for their hard work and academic excellence that have resulted in this outstanding recognition,” Clarke County School District Superintendent Jack Parish said release. “We also wish to extend our congratulations and appreciation to the STAR Teachers who have played a major role in these students’ attainment of academic excellence and success.”
Mon chose CSHS math department teacher Amit Bharucha as his STAR Teacher. Mon will be attending Princeton University in the fall as a computer science major.
“He is one of the brightest and most capable students I have had the pleasure to teach. His drive for excellence has helped me become a better teacher by pushing the boundaries of my understanding of my content to a higher level,” Bharucha said in a press release.
Warner chose math department teacher Joy Sapp as her STAR teacher. Warner is undecided about where she will attend college in the fall, but has been offered the Bernard Ramsey Scholarship from the University of Georgia, the Presidential Scholarship from the University of Alabama and the President’s Scholarship from the University of Miami.
“I will always remember Avery for her insightful questions and her ability to make connections between what she is learning and what she has learned. Avery’s diligence in striving for excellence is inspirational to us all,” Sapp said in a press release.
To be honored as a STAR Student, the applicants must have the highest SAT scores in all three sections sections of the test, must be in the top 10% of their graduating senior class and must choose their STAR Teacher.
“The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce is proud once again to sponsor the STAR Student and Teacher award as part of our commitment to education in our community. It is a privilege to recognize these outstanding students who are our community’s future leaders, as well as the educators who have been such a positive influence on their development,” Chair of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Board Dean Manheimer said in press release.