Area STAR Students & Teachers Recognized

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Some of the area’s brightest students and teachers were honored at the annual STAR Student/ STAR Teacher Recognition Ceremony at Vidalia High School on Tuesday, January 28.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) is sponsored, administered, and promoted by PAGE and the PAGE Foundation. This recognition honors students within their school’s top 10% academically who have the highest SAT school among their classmates; these students then select a teacher that has had the greatest impact on them during school as their STAR Teacher.

The ceremony is sponsored and hosted locally by the Vidalia Kiwanis Club, and several banks contributed to the event, including Altamaha Bank & Trust Company, Georgia First Bank, Peoples Bank, Mount Vernon Bank, and Vidalia Federal Savings Bank.

PAGE Membership Services Representative Will Esters attended the event on behalf of the Association, and was recognized during the ceremony. Montgomery County High School Tulsi Patel, daughter of Nima and Kenny Patel, was named the Montgomery County High School STAR Student; she named Montgomery County High School PreCalculus Teacher Kerri Anderson as her STAR Teacher.

Patel has attended Montgomery County Schools her entire academic career, and has participated in soccer, cross country, National Beta Club, and 4-H. After graduation, she plans to attend Mercer University to earn a degree in Biology on the pre-med track, then attend medical school and complete residency to become a cardiologist.

“I feel extremely honored and happy to be named Star Student,” Patel emphasized. “I would like to thank my parents for being my biggest supporters in everything i’ve chosen to do. I would not be the person I am without them by my side.”

She shared advice for her fellow high school students. “Get involved, participate in class and find clubs or sports that you are passionate about,” Patel added.

Patel also spoke on her STAR Teacher, as she commented, “I chose Ms. Anderson as my STAR teacher because she has had a tremendous impact on me both in and out of the classroom. She’s an example of what it means to be a teacher who genuinely has a passion for helping others in every way that she can, and she’s always encouraged me to strive for excellence in every aspect of my life.”

This is the second time which Anderson has earned the title of STAR Teacher, as former Montgomery County High School Student Braden Hardeman selected her for the honor when he was awarded STAR Student in 2023. Anderson has worked at Montgomery County High School for 6 years, and was also previously named the 2023-2024 Montgomery County High School and Montgomery County Schools District Teacher of the Year. She has taught Patel for 3 years.

“Being named STAR teacher is a great honor! I, like other teachers, always strive to be a positive impact on our students and this is just one way it shows. We always wonder if we are making a difference, and it is nice to know that to at least one student I did!” Anderson emphasized. “Tulsi greatly deserves the honor! She is a wonderful student, always hard-working and is so willing and eager to learn!”

She added, “I would like to thank the Montgomery County School System for being a great support system for both myself and Tulsi. Everyone works together to encourage our students to meet their goals and to strive for their dreams!”

Robert Toombs Christian Academy Madalyn Joyner, daughter of Jeremy and Amber Joyner, was recognized as the Robert Toombs Christian Academy STAR Student.

Joyner has attended Robert Toombs Christian Academy for the entirety of her academic career. She is very active in leadership at the school, as she serves as the Leo Club President, Beta Club Vice President, Student Government Association Secretary, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Leader. She is a member of the Greater Vidalia Youth Leadership Class, Meadows Youth Advisory Board, Peoples Bank Youth Leadership Board, and National Honor Society, and was previously recognized for her academic achievements through the Georgia Certificate of Merit award and by being selected to serve as a Junior Marshall for the Robert Toombs Christian Academy Class of 2024 graduation ceremony.

She has also excelled outside the classroom, as Joyner was a member of the school’s state champion softball and basketball teams and received All-Region honors for two years for her performance in softball and soccer. She also plays on the school’s tennis team.

After high school, Joyner plans to attend the University of Georgia or Georgia Tech to become a civil engineer.

“I’m very honored to be named the STAR Student for RTCA,” she emphasized. “I would like to thank the Lord for giving me the ability to learn and glorify Him. Along with my parents and teachers for their continuous support and encouragement.”

When asked if she had any advice for underclassmen, Joyner said, “Advice that I would give to a high school student would be to do as much as you can while you can.”

Joyner selected Robert Toombs Christian Academy 3rd Grade Language Arts Teacher Cindy Jones as her STAR Teacher.

“Mrs. Cindy Jones taught me at the earliest age in the classroom that I can remember. She was always so full of love and joy and she still is. Her energetic attitude made school fun and she was rewards her students for their progress. She has spent many years teaching and she truly loves what she does. I was proud to choose her as my STAR Teacher,” Joyner explained.

Jones has taught for a total of 37 years. She taught Joyner in Kindergarten and 4th Grade. “Maddie is very deserving of the award! She was very eager to learn and made good grades! She worked hard and always did what was asked of her in class!. Maddie was also one of the nicest and most pleasant students l have taught! I have asked her about her plans after graduation, and she really is excited about attending college and getting her degree! She has a wonderful and supportive family that will always be there to accompany her on this journey!” Jones emphasized. “Good luck Maddie! Love you much!”

Jones is no stranger to the STAR Teacher Award, as she has won it once before. She also was previously recognized as Lyons Primary School Teacher of the Year in 1996 and Lyons Upper Elementary School Teacher of the Year in 2009.

“Being named STAR Teacher fills me with gratitude! I’m so grateful that I touched Maddie’s life when she was so young, and it has lasted through the years! My heart is filled with an abundance of joy!” she remarked. Toombs County High School Noelia Nevarez, daughter of Cristina Baza and Alejandro Nevarez, was named the Toombs County High School STAR Student.

Nevarez has attended Toombs County Schools for the entirety of her academic career and has participated in Future Farmers of America (FFA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Beta Club. She is a member of the Toombs County High School Cross Country and Soccer teams and serves as the Senior Vice President on the Toombs County High School Student Council.

After high school, Nevarez plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology on the pre-med track from the University of Georgia, and then hopes to attend medical school to become a radiologist.

“I feel very honored to have been named star student, and it is surreal to have been chosen out of my peers. I am honored and thankful that my hard work and dedication all throughout high school is now being recognized,” she remarked. “I would like to thank my parents for supporting me among the years, and continuing to work hard so that my dream of going to college and becoming a doctor will come true.”

When asked if she had any advice for underclassmen, she commented, “My advice for any high school students is for them to go out and try new things! There are so many great experiences to be had and people to meet that come from doing things that may make you even just a little bit uncomfortable. It goes by fast so I would advise students to make the most out of it.”

Nevarez selected Toombs County High School Honors English Teacher Megan Morris as her STAR Teacher. Morris has taught at Toombs County High School all 10 years of her career, and most recently taught Nevarez in her 9th, 10th, and 11th grade years.

“I chose Miss Morris because I believe that she is a great teacher who is truly dedicated to her job and students. She has helped me the most along the years, whether it was her belief in my abilities or the help that she provided me on my college essay. I chose her because I believe all the hard work that she does should get recognized,” Nevarez explained.

“Noelia is very deserving. She is brilliant and hardworking but also quiet and humble. It has been great to see her come out of her shell and let her light shine. She is so sweet and generous and exactly the type of student I love to have and want representing our school,” Morris remarked. “I would like to truly thank Noelia for being a wonderful student, for the care she has shown for me, and for being my inspiration to keep going on those tough days that everyone experiences in their career. I would to thank my principal and the rest of our staff for encouraging me and giving me an positive environment where it is possible to give my students my all. And I would like to thank the program sponsors for putting the spotlight on our brightest students each year.” continued from page

Morris is no stranger to the STAR program, as she was the Toombs County High School STAR Student in 2009, and later won the Toombs County STAR Teacher award in 2019. “It has been wonderful to return to my alma mater and give back to my students what my teachers gave to me,” she emphasized. “It is so rewarding to know that you have made a positive impact on a student, and such an honor to represent a school and community I love.”

Vidalia Heritage Academy Luke Moxley, son of Sean and Alisha Moxley, was named Vidalia Heritage Academy’s STAR Student; Moxley chose Vidalia Heritage Academy High School Math Teacher Steve Miller as his STAR Teacher.

Moxley has attended Vidalia Heritage Academy for 10 years. He has excelled in both academics and athletics, as he received All-Region and All-State for his work on the school’s varsity baseball team. After high school, Moxley plans to seek his pre-med degree.

“This award is an exciting honor,” he emphasized. “Thank you to my parents for always supporting me and raising me to be the man I am today.”

When asked if he had any advice for his fellow high school students, Moxley remarked, “Keep working hard, you still have a whole life ahead of you.”

He also spoke about his decision to name Miller as the STAR Teacher. “Mr. Miller’s knowledge and approach to teaching made me appreciate his classes and come in everyday excited to learn, and he is an overall great man,” Moxley explained.

Miller has worked at Vidalia Heritage Academy for 9 years, and previously taught for 5 years in Boca Raton High School in Florida. He currently teaches Algebra 2, Geometry, and Precalculus at Vidalia Heritage Academy, and taught Moxley during Moxley’s freshman and sophomore years.

“Luke is an outstanding student in every way,” Miller shared. “He is very intelligent but also disciplined in his approach to life. He has a pleasant personality, and is easy to get along with. He is also a terrific athlete, especially in baseball.”

This is not the first time which Miller has received the STAR teacher award, as he was also given the honor several years ago. He reacted to this recent accomplishment, saying, “It's a very nice honor, especially since the student names the teacher he feels has made an important investment. I know that I am just one of many through the years who have poured into Luke's life. I'm appreciative that he mentioned me. Luke's parents, Sean and Alisha Moxley, have always been a source of encouragement to me. I'm grateful for them, too.”

Vidalia High School

Jude Collins, son of Deirdre and Jimmy Collins, was recognized as the Vidalia High School STAR Student.

He has attended Vidalia City Schools for 10 years, and participated in the district’s Beta Club, while competing in skateboarding competitions outside of school. After graduation, Collins plans on attending Georgia Tech to study architecture.

“I’m honored and grateful to be chosen as star student,” he reacted. “Thank you to my dad for always pushing me and helping me reach my goals.” When asked if he had any advice for his fellow high school students, Collins remarked, “Work hard and always set aside time to focus on your school work and study.”

Collins selected J.R. Trippe Instructional Coach Julie Caraballo as his STAR Teacher. Caraballo has 22 years of experience in education, having taught 1 year at St. Mary’s Middle School, 2 years at Sally D. Meadows Elementary School, and the past 19 years at J.R. Trippe Middle School. During these 19 years, Caraballo taught Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science to 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students before becoming an instructional coach for the school 3 years ago.

Caraballo taught Collins in 2018-2019, as he was in her 7th grade Language Arts class. Caraballo commented on Collins, complimenting his excellence in the classroom. “Jude being STAR student came as no surprise. He has always been a dedicated, focused and very talented student. He is an ideal student to teach and a young man of high character. He is well deserving of this tremendous accomplishment and I could not be more proud of him! I have no doubt that Jude will go on to achieve all of his dreams and will make a lasting impact on the world,” she emphasized.

She added, “I am thankful to have had the opportunity to teach not only Jude but his siblings as well. He comes from a tight-knit family of character and his parents have instilled in their children a love for learning, concern for others, and a desire to make the world a better place.”

Collins also shared his thoughts on the teacher, highlighting her excellent ability to make learning enjoyable. “I chose my star teacher because she’s the teacher that showed me reading can be fun and enjoyable. She is also an amazing person who always gives to her community,” he explained.

This marks the first time which Caraballo has been named a STAR Teacher; yet, she is no stranger to being recognized for her work in the classroom, as she previously was named the J.R. Trippe Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2011, the Rural Teacher of Excellence in 2022, the Vidalia City Schools District Teacher of the Year in 2023, and a Top 10 Finalist for the Georgia Teacher of the Year in 2023.

“Being named STAR Teacher is one of the greatest achievements of my career. To find out that I made a lasting impact on a student and inspired in him a passion for reading affirms my calling as a teacher. When you view the profession as a calling rather than a job, there is not greater reward than to find out you made a difference for a student. I am humbled and truly honored,” she concluded.

System Winners

Three system winners have also been named for the area; these system winners will now be recognized at PAGE’s Region 8 STAR Student/STAR Teacher Banquet at Georgia Southern University on January 19.

The Montgomery County System Winners are Montgomery County High School STAR Student Tulsi Patel and STAR Teacher Kerri Anderson, as Montgomery County High School is the only school within the system.

The Toombs County Schools System Winners are Toombs County High School STAR Student Noelia Nevarez and STAR Teacher Megan Morris. This system is composed of Toombs County High School and Robert Toombs Christian Academy.

The Vidalia City Schools System Winners are Vidalia High School STAR Student Jude Collins and STAR Teacher Julie Caraballo. This system is composed of Vidalia High School and Vidalia Heritage Academy.

These winners will go on to compete in the regional competition against students and teachers from several other systems to determine who will move on to the state competition in Atlanta on April 28.

About STAR

The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program is sponsored, administered, and promoted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the PAGE Foundation. Since its inception in 1958 the STAR program has honored nearly 29,500 students and the teachers selected as the most influential to their academic achievement. High school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average to qualify for STAR nomination.

STAR begins each year in participating Georgia high schools when the STAR Student is named and chooses a STAR Teacher to share in this recognition. The students and their teachers are honored by their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from one of the more than 172 statewide civic organizations and businesses that serve as local sponsors of the STAR program. Students then compete for school system recognition as the top STAR Student, and those winners compete for region honors. Region winners contend for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student. STAR Teachers continue on with their STAR Students at every level of the program.

PAGE and the PAGE Foundation honor outstanding students and educators and encourage academic excellence through competitive academic programs such as PAGE STAR, the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades and the PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon.