New Hope High School senior Andrew C. Junkin, son of Richard and Deborah Junkin, has been named STAR Student for the 2017-18 school year by the Mississippi Economic Council M.B. Swayze Foundation, sponsor of the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program. Established by the MEC in 1965, the STAR program recognizes outstanding students and teachers in Mississippi though its Education Celebration.
Junkin will be honored during the annual celebration April 12 at the Jackson Convention Complex.
STAR Students are selected on the basis of academic excellence. Both American College Test score and scholastic averages are compared to determine a school’s STAR Student, explained Vickie Powell of Jackson, senior vice president of foundations. Each STAR student is asked to designate a STAR Teacher, the teacher who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement. Junkin designated Thomas B. Richardson. Richardson teaches English and was also a STAR Teacher in 2014-15 and 2015-16.
Over 500 STAR Students and STAR Teachers will receive recognition. The top 20 STAR Students — ALL-STAR Scholars– will receive scholarships and their STAR Teachers will receive awards provided by the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation.
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