Starkville High School has named Catherine Shapley as 2026 STAR Student for her performance on the ACT college entrance exam. As part of the STAR program, Shapley chose a STAR Teacher recipient who has most impacted her high school career, naming Advanced Placement instructor Adam Burton for the honor.
The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program recognizes high school seniors in Mississippi who earn the highest ACT score in their school. The STAR student then selects his or her STAR teacher. Shapley and Burton were honored at a luncheon hosted by the Mississippi Economic Council in April.
Shapley plans to attend Mississippi State University after graduation and major in public relations and communications. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree and become an event planner. During her time at SHS, Shapley has participated in a number of academic, extracurricular and athletic activities, including Beta Club, National Honor Society, MSU Early Honors Academy, Student Council, Oktibbeha Young Leaders and the Jacket Golf team. She has served as the student body president for the 2025-2026 school year, leading her peers in planning and executing student activities for events such as pep rallies, homecoming, community service initiatives and more.
“The opportunities at SHS are endless,” Shapley said. “There truly is something here for anyone and everyone. I feel it’s due to these opportunities I’ve grown into who I am.”
Shapley, who will graduate as an AP scholar with honors, said she chose Adam Burton as her STAR Teacher recipient because of the way he made the subject matter in his AP psychology class engaging. She said his class was one of the first AP courses she took in high school, but his knowledge of the material and how he engaged students in hands-on and interactive activities made it one of her favorites from her four years at Starkville High. However, she also said his impact came through the way he consistently cares about his students.
“His dedication and enthusiasm made a lasting impact on my high school experience,” Shapley said. “I came into class every day genuinely excited to see what we would be doing next. Beyond teaching, Mr. Burton truly cares about his students. He goes out of his way to stay involved, even showing up to student council meetings just to support us and see what we’re working on.”
Through Shapley’s many extracurricular activities and involvement in student life, she found her niche for gaining new experiences and spreading her wings as a leader among her peers. When she talked about advice to give SHS underclassmen, she said high school can help you find out more about who you want to be.
“You get out of it what you put into it,” Shapley said. “My advice to the younger students is to get involved and put yourself out there. It can be scary to do something new or join a club without your friends. But, high school is honestly where you find out who you are and who you want to be. Even if it’s a club just for fun, it can expand your connections and your confidence exponentially.”
Burton said those lessons are sure to serve Shapley well in her next steps.
“I have no doubt Catherine will carry the traits that made her successful at Starkville High School into college and beyond,” Burton said. “I am excited to see all that she accomplishes in the future.”
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