Two students and two teachers were honored Thursday at the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce luncheon with Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) awards.

Grace Christian Academy student Joshua Carnes and teacher Richard Cox were first to accept the awards, followed by Bainbridge High School Student William “Trey” J. Walker III and teacher Pauncho Hufstetler.

To attain the STAR recognition, high school students must have the highest score on a single test date for a three-part SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 student of their graduating class based on GPA. That student then selects the teacher he or she feels has been most instrumental in their academic achievement.

Carnes has a 4.0 GPA. His favorite subjects are math and science. He is also an avid athlete, acting as captain of the Cougars soccer team and a runner on the cross-country team. Carnes also is a Raymond Miles Youth Leadership graduate, and he plans to attend Georgia Southern University to major in mechanical engineering.

Cox taught Carnes 10th grade World History, 11th grade excel U.S. History and 12th Grade A.P. Government and Politics. He is also Josh’s cross-country coach.

“I just want to say thank you to Mr. Cox for being a great teacher for the three years I’ve had him,” Carnes said. “He’s really been an inspiration and a great teacher.”

Walker is also a Raymond Miles Youth Leadership graduate and is heavily involved in activities at BHS. He’s a member of the Bearcat Band, math club, science club, key club, Interact and anchor club.

Outside of school, he is an Eagle Scout with Troop 502 and is a member of the Bainbridge Community Band. In addition, he has attended the summer medical school institute and band camps at both Troy and Florida State universities.

Next year, Walker plans to attend the University of Georgia to pursue a career in either biochemistry or radiology. He plans to attend medical school to become a radiologist.
Hufstetler is a 1997 graduate of UGA and received his Master of Arts in social studies education from Piedmont College in 1999. He has been teaching for 17 years at Bainbridge High School.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done since I’ve known you,” Walker said to Hufstetler. “It’s been great to have you as a teacher.”

Walker will also continue into the region competition among other STAR students from schools in the area.

STAR is currently in its 57th year. The Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce has been awarding students and teachers the STAR awards for all 57 years.