Clarke Central High School senior Patrick Allen (middle) receives his acceptance to the Georgia Institute of Technology with his mother and father on Dec. 8, 2023. Allen was named a STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) student for Clarke Central High School and the Clarke County School District by the CCSD. “I’m very happy to be named the county STAR Student. I was honored to receive the schoolwide award, so to receive that recognition on a higher level was a bit of a shock,” Allen said. Photo by Aza Khan
The CCSD announced its STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Students for the 2023-24 school year, with CCHS senior Patrick Allen named as the STAR Student for both CCHS and the overall CCSD.
Senior Patrick Allen has been named the Clarke Central High School’s STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Student for the 2023-24 school year.
The STAR program, sponsored locally by the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and statewide by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, recognizes the one senior at each Clarke County School District high school with the highest SAT score – provided they’re in the top 10% of seniors by grade-point average – at their school.
Clarke Central High School senior Patrick Allen hugs social studies department teacher Elliot Slane during a surprise planned for early decision applicants to the Georgia Institute of Technology on Dec. 8, 2023. After Allen was named a STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) student for the Clarke County School District, he named Slane as the teacher who impacted him most at CCHS. “More than anything, I was happy to see Mr. Slane received recognition for his work. Teachers in our school rarely get ample credit for the demanding work that they do,” Allen said. “His contributions to my college prospects cannot be understated and I truly am lucky to have him as a mentor.” Photo by Aza Khan
“The Clarke County School District is pleased to announce Patrick Allen of Clarke Central High School and William “Art” Conway of Cedar Shoals High School as the district’s 2023-24 STAR Students,” a Feb. 7 CCSD press release stated.
Currently ranked first in the Class of 2024, Allen – a four-year varsity tennis player and National Honor Society member – has thus far been accepted to several four-year universities, including the University of Georgia and the Georgia Institute of Technology, though he is so far undecided on his future.
“It’s a nice award to have in my back pocket, and speaking to multiple former STARs during (a Feb. 7) luncheon helped me realize what good company I’m in,” Allen said. “I was honored to receive the school-wide award, and to receive that recognition on a higher level was a bit of a shock.”
Allen named CCHS social studies department teacher Elliot Slane, who is also Allen’s varsity tennis coach, as his STAR Teacher.
“Patrick truly is an incredible student, and I am thankful that he was in my AP U.S. History class as a junior,” Slane stated in the press release. “He is more than worthy of being named a STAR Student. I am so proud of him and excited to see what he will accomplish in the next phase of his life.”
In addition to being named CCHS’ STAR Student, Allen was chosen as the overall CCSD STAR Student, which ensures his progression to a regional – and potentially a state – competition, where winners have the opportunity to receive scholarships and awards.
“These students represent the promise of our community,” CCSD Superintendent Dr. Robbie P. Hooker stated in the press release. “We congratulate them while thanking their teacher mentors for their dedication to them and the hundreds of other students they support every year, and we thank their parents for encouraging them and providing the home support that is vital for student success.”
