Aubrey Simmons said he wished he had 100 more students like Alan Zhu in his band.

Zhu, a senior at Bradwell Institute, was named the countywide STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) student during a luncheon hosted by the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce. Zhu, who is going to Georgia Tech in the fall, chose Simmons, his band teacher, as his STAR teacher.

“I know he’s going to be very special,” Simmons said. “He’s very nonchalant, but he’s very funny. He’s just an awesome young gentleman.”

Simmons is in charge of the Tiger band, the symphonic band and the marching band at Bradwell. Plus, he’s been known to help out with the Savannah State University marching band, Zhu noted.

“Our band has achieved incredible musical success that I don’t believe would have been possible without his guidance,” Zhu said. “More important than music, Mr. Simmons has the ability to bring out the best in each student. He instills in each student discipline, confidence and most importantly, passion.”

Liberty County High School STAR student Emma Beasley likewise tapped her band teacher, Paul Sohayda, as her STAR teacher.

“I could not be here today without the teachers who inspire me. When I think of the teacher who has had the largest impact on my education over the last four years, I think of Mr. Sohayda,” she said. “He is a phenomenal teacher both inside and outside the classroom. In class, we aren’t just learning how to play music; he teaches us the historic and cultural significance of every piece. Outside the classroom, Mr. Sohayda has made an incredible impact on me through the marching band. He has taught me how to lead and I am a better person because of the valuable life skills I have learned from Mr. Sohayda.”

Beasley said she and others look forward to Sohayda’s classes because of how he inspires and motivates them.

“I am a better person, student, leader and contributor to society because of the positive impact Mr. Sohayda made on my life,” she said.

Sohayda said Beasley is the kind of student every teacher would love to have in a classroom.

“I’ve been able to watch her grow and blossom into this wonderful young lady,” he said.

Beasley took a leadership role with the LCHS marching band this year, serving as drum major, where she went from worrying about her own instrument and section to having to be concerned with the entire band.

“I look forward to the bright future that Emma has as she continues to grow and flourish as a scholar and also as a kind, caring and compassionate human,” he said.

First Preparatory Christian Academy’s Timothy Christensen didn’t have to look far for his STAR teacher. He chose his father, and Bible teacher, Lee Christensen.

What makes the selection as STAR teacher is knowing the kind of student his son is outside the classroom, the elder Christensen said.

“That quality of him wanting to do something himself, him having that intrinsic motivation, has served him well,” Lee Christensen said. “I know it will serve him well in the future. I’ve never had to chase after him about a deadline. I’ve never had to remind him to study for a test. I’ve never had to ask him if he’s got his homework ready. A lot of young people are extrinsically motivated. He is intrinsic motivation. He wants to do it because he’s right. He does it because he wants to give his best.”

Timothy Christensen said one of his favorite moments was getting to hug his father in the seconds after the Highlanders won the state soccer championship.

“My dad was the first teacher I ever had, as he helped me take the first steps, tie my shoes, shoot a basketball and so much more,” he said. “Everything I faced in life, no matter how insurmountable the task may have seemed to me, my dad stood by me and helped me through it. My dad has instilled a strong work ethic in me. I am so blessed by the Christ-like example my dad sets every day with his attitude and actions.”

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) sponsor and administer the STAR program, which is in its 65th year. To be a STAR student, high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10% or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.

Zhu will compete at the PAGE district level for STAR student honors.