Although graduation is just a couple of months away, Liberty County high school seniors Susan Ann Talley and Michael John Charlton were named top academic achievers at the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Luncheon on Feb. 28.
Both students attended the luncheon along with their chosen STAR teachers.
Talley is the Liberty County High School STAR student and was named as the school system’s STAR student at the luncheon. Charlton is Bradwell Institute’s STAR Student.
Talley and Charlton scored the highest in their schools on the three-part Scholastic Assessment Test and they rank in the top 10 percent of their class.
Board of Education Chairman Lily H. Baker commended the students and teachers for excellence.
“I’m just very proud of the students for achieving a milestone in their lives. It’s very important that our young people understand the value of an education.
“We’re very appreciative to have high quality teachers in our school system. They are assets to our schools and our community,” Baker said.  
Parents should be congratulated as well, Baker said. “They contribute a lot to their student’s education and they should be recognized.”
School Superintendent Dr. Steve Wilmoth said the school system enjoys sharing good news.
 “I’m happiest and proud about the students and teachers today,” he said before presenting the STARS.
Talley and Charlton shared their spotlight and achievements with their STAR teachers. Charlton chose BI history teacher James Wisner, who had been chosen multiple times as a STAR teacher. Charlton will attend the United States Military Academy after graduation and credited Wisner with ‘a unique teaching style.’
“I feel privileged for having been in his class,” he said.
Talley chose Literature teacher Amanda Holmes who she credited with giving her an appreciation for the subject.
“I actually dreaded literature but she had a passion for it and made it fun,” Talley said. “She is always doing something creative and new. Now I’m more interested in it,” she said.
The Liberty County Chamber of Commerce hosted the event with more than 50 educators, business and community leaders in attendance to honor academic excellence. Local sponsors included the chamber, The Heritage Bank, VIP Office Supply, Coastal Communications, Kiwanis Club of Liberty County, Fort Stewart Georgia Federal Credit Union and U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston.
Sponsors presented gifts and monetary awards to the STAR students and their teachers and will sponsor Talley at the regional recognition event March 14 in Statesboro.  If she wins she would go on to compete for the state award in Atlanta.

What is STAR

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition Program was created to focus public attention on Georgia’s outstanding students and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development.  The Professional Association of Georgia Educators Foundation, Inc., was selected in 1994 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to coordinate the statewide STAR Program in association with the Chamber and the Georgia Department of Education.