Stars in Liberty County’s education system took to the stage on Thursday afternoon during the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition luncheon.

Three teachers and three students were recognized at the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce’s 31st annual STAR banquet for their efforts in education.

The luncheon at Bethesda Church, sponsored by Georgia Power, recognized the efforts of high school seniors who, in turn, each selected a teacher who inspired and taught them the most.

"We’re extremely proud of them and extremely proud of those teachers because they teach day in and day out and it’s nice for the teachers to be recognized as well as the students for their dedication and service," Superintendent Dr. Judy Scherer said. "[These are] just good, strong students of the future — it’s just good to celebrate with them and the parents and see their pride in it."

Students Tiarra Rogers of Bradwell Institute, Brandon Stafford of First Presbyterian Christian Academy, and Bethany Whitlock of Liberty County High School were selected for having the highest SAT scores in their schools, Scherer said. Students also were required to meet other guidelines, such as having high grades, to be nominated, she said.

Each student was introduced by Liberty County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Leah Poole while audience members munched on pizza and salad. Students spoke about former or current teachers who had inspired or impacted them during their education.

Rogers selected Bradwell Institute math teacher Susan Nobles.

"She is just as witty as her students sometimes," Rogers said. "It is just so awesome to have something like this for our teachers."

Rogers recently was accepted to University of Georgia and plans to study veterinary medicine.

FPCA’s Stafford has been accepted to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He selected Jeanne Leonard, who he has known since he was in fourth grade. Stafford joked that Leonard has been teaching since 1948.

"Mrs. Leonard, out of all the teachers I’ve had, she’s given me the confidence I have," Stafford said. "There’s no way I’d be standing up here today without Mrs. Leonard."

Whitlock, who also received an award for having the highest SAT score of all the STAR students, said she was thrilled to have won both honors. She has been in the school system on and off because her father is in the Army. She came back last summer for her senior year.

"It’s amazing that I was able to get this honor. It’s really nice to know I have good teachers here who support me," Whitlock said.

She has been accepted to Lee University, but is still undecided about her major.

Whitlock selected her science teacher, Brian Nixon, and thanked him for his hands-on classroom experiences and encouragement. Nixon, along with Nobles, both have been selected numerous times for the honor, Scherer said.

"The chamber is always happy to do this luncheon," Poole said. "It is always one of my favorites. I think, as a past chamber board member, it was the first thing I chaired and it is always good to see good teachers and students recognized for their tremendous efforts."

The students and teachers also received money and other gifts for their work and dedication from local businesses.

"Congrats to you, the students and teachers," Georgia Power engineering supervisor Anthony Burns said. "You’ve been set aside to be honored. I just encourage you, as STAR students and teachers and as you go back to your classrooms, go back and motivate fellow students and teachers. I challenge you to encourage, motivate and mentor."