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The Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce met for their monthly chamber Connect luncheon last Thursday. Aside from the usually scheduled announcements, door prizes and guest speaker, one of the main items on the day’s agenda was the acknowledgment of the 2023 STAR Students and Teachers. Unlike most years where only two students are awarded, due to a tie, this year saw three, two from Bainbridge High School, and one from Grace Christian Academy. STAR Students are selected by scoring the highest in their school system on the SAT, as well as ranking in the top 10% of their class.

The first from BHS was Jebson Logue, along with his STAR Teacher Greg Harrell. Logue intends to pursue an engineering degree, and was awarded the UGA Certificate for Merit for being in the top 5% of his class. He participates in multiple clubs as well, including Skills USA and FFA. Logue selected Harrell as STAR Teacher for “being the most influential person in his life in high school.”

The second BHS STAR Student was Dax Willis, accompanied by his STAR Teacher, Kyle Kelley. Willis aims to go to Mercer University, majoring in chemistry while studying a pre-med course path. Willis is the captain of the BHS soccer team, and is involved in clubs like FFA, the National Honors Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Willis chose Kelley, his Honors and AP Chemistry teacher, as “he has truly made learning fun, and made him (Willis) always want to learn more.”

Lastly, the recipient for GCA was Ben York, who selected Jeff Toole as his STAR Teacher. York was also the System Winner for Decatur County. York has been the GCA Student Government President, both president and vice president for the National Honors Society, and an officer in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as well as participating in GCA track, cross country, football and wrestling. York chose Toole, his physics, physical science and chemistry teacher, as his STAR Teacher, describing him as a “helpful teacher that encouraged learning.”