Clarke Central High School’s Olivia Bergman and Cedar Shoals High School’s Christopher Koch, both seniors, were named the Clarke County School District Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Students (STAR). The names were announced on Feb. 18, and Bergman chose CCHS science department teacher Scott Swain as her STAR Teacher. “When I took (Advanced Placement) Physics with Mr. Swain, he was supportive and cared about my future,” Bergman said. “Not only did he teach me a subject I found fascinating, but he went above and beyond in giving me the skills I needed to succeed in dual enrollment and in college after high school. I’m grateful for the time I spent with Mr. Swain and the kindness he has shown me.” Photos courtesy of the CCSD, graphic by Liya Taylor
The CCSD announced the CCHS and Cedar Shoals High School 2025-26 Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Students on Feb. 18.
Clarke Central High School’s Olivia Bergman and Cedar Shoals High School’s Christopher Koch, both seniors, were named Clarke County School District’s 2025-26 Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Students on Feb. 18.
Clarke County School District Cedar Shoals High School Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Student Christopher Koch poses with his STAR Teacher, CSHS English department teacher Tara Stuart at CSHS. Koch, an AP Scholar with Distinction, member of the National Honor Society and treasurer of the CSHS BETA Club, was accepted into the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he plans to study mechanical engineering and continue his swimming career. “It means a lot to me to win STAR Student because it helps me realize what all the hard work I have put in has led to,” Koch said in a Feb. 18 CCSD press release. “(Stuart) has a passion for helping students learn while also motivating and encouraging her students to do great outside of school, whether it is reading more or competing in sports.” Photo courtesy of the CCSD
The STAR Student recognition was created in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. It recognizes one senior at every Georgia high school who has the highest single test SAT score and is in the top 10% of their class. Bergman is ranked third in CCHS’ Class of 2026 and received a 1580 on the SAT.
“We are so proud of Olivia and Christopher and are thrilled to celebrate the hard work and dedication that led to this accomplishment,” CCSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Scott stated in a Feb. 18 CCSD press release.
Each STAR student also names a STAR Teacher who has shaped their high school experience. Koch named CSHS English department teacher Tara Stuart and Bergman chose CCHS science department teacher Scott Swain.
“It has been great seeing first-hand the level of brilliance Olivia demonstrated in my (Advanced Placement) Physics class, not only on tests, but in the lab setting, as well,” Swain stated in the press release. “I have also appreciated how Olivia had a positive impact on the learning environment of my classroom, which was contagious to the other students.”
“I often feel like teachers don’t receive half the appreciation they deserve, and this was a great opportunity for me to give back to Mr. Swain.”
— Olivia Bergamn,
2026 CCHS STAR Student
Clarke Central High School science department teacher Scott Swain talks with CCHS science, physical education and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education departments and JROTC Instructional Coach Dr. Julie Memler in Room 185 on Sept. 2, 2025. CCHS STAR student Olivia Bergman named Swain as her STAR teacher for the positive impact he has had on her academic career. “It has been great seeing first-hand the level of brilliance Olivia demonstrated in my (Advanced Placement Physics) class, not only on tests but in the lab setting as well,” Swain stated in a Feb. 18 Clarke County School District press release. Photo by Iliana Tejada
Bergman is dual enrolled at both the University of Georgia and the Georgia Institute of Technology’s Distance Math Program. She is also part of CCHS’ varsity cross country team and captain of CCHS’ chess team, and has won the local Chess and Community tournament for the past two years. With plans to study English and mathematics in college, Bergman said the most meaningful aspect of the title was not recognition for herself but the ability to honor a teacher.
“I often feel like teachers don’t receive half the appreciation they deserve, and this was a great opportunity for me to give back to Mr. Swain,” Bergman said. “After my undergraduate degree, my current plan is to go to law school. I’m hoping to become a civil rights lawyer someday.”
