The Stars were out in Walton County last week

Walton County honors STAR Students at annual banquet

First row, from left, are STAR Students Madeline Jackson, George Walton Academy; Ella Masterson, Loganville Christian Academy; Nathan Strange, Monroe Area High School; Micah Filer, Loganville High School; Audrey Hicks, Social Circle High School; Alexander Turley, Victory Baptist School; and Carter Dillard, Walnut Grove High School. Back row, from left, are STAR Teachers Hannah Marier, GWA; Andrew Martin, LCA; Scott Hill, MAHS; Julie Ruth, LHS; Jennifer Forster, SCHS; Vanessa Torres, VBS; and Angie Head, WGHS. Photo credit: Deborah Stewart | Special to The Walton Tribune

Walton County’s brightest students were recognized as STARs last week at the 68th annual STAR Banquet.

The event, sponsored by the Walton County Chamber of Commerce, recognized the top student at seven of Walton’s high schools, along with each student’s chosen STAR Teacher, selected for the impact on thier academic career.

Micah Filer, from Loganville High School, chose his AP Language teacher Julie Ruth.

“English was always one of my most challenging subjects,” he said. “But after a few weeks in Ms. Ruth’s class, I changed my mind. She had a powerful impact on my education journey. She’s one of the most uplifting and supportive teacher I’ve ever had.”

Ruth said Micah had definitely earned his role as STAR Student.

“I love Micah Filer,” she said. “He never stops being authentic and self-confident. He has achieved so much more than most high school students.”

Monroe Area High School’s Nathan Strange chose his AP U.S. History teacher Scott Hill as his STAR Teacher.

“He’s always at 110%,” Strange said. “You know a teacher is special when you take a class just because of who teaches it. It really is a joy to take his class.”

Hill said Strange was the ideal student.

“Nathan is my No. 1 best student,” Hill said. “He’s so inquisitive. He cares so much about learning.”

At Walnut Grove High School, Carter Dillard was the STAR Student and chose AP Calculus teacher Angie Head.

“Ms. Head is legit,” Dillard said. “You need someone who’s there for you but also challenges you and pushes you out of your comfort zone. That’s been Ms. Head.”

Head said she’s been thrilled to see her pupil thrive.

“I have watching him grow not only into an exceptional mathematician but also a gifted leader,” Head said.

George Walton Academy’s Madeline Jackson, who was not only GWA’s STAR Student but also was announced as the overall STAR Student for the county before the end of the evening, chose her British Literature and Art History teacher, Hannah Marier.

“Each day in her class brought something exciting,” Jackson said. “Ms. Marier invests so much time into her students.”

Marier said it was her treat to teach Jackson.

“I feel privileged to rave about Madeline tonight,” she said. “She is kind, giving, responsible and fiercely intelligent. Whatever she chooses to do, she will succeed. Her future is bright.”

At Loganville Christian Academy, Ella Masterson was named STAR Student and chose her philosophy teacher, Andrew Martin.

“I never felt like I’m being lectured in his class,” Masterson said. “I always felt like I’m having a conversation.”

Martin said Masterson is a unique student.

“Ella stands out,” he said. “She has a clarity of thought that cuts through distractions.”

Social Circle High School’s STAR Student was Audrey Hicks, who chose her elementary school English teacher, Jennifer Forster, as her STAR Teacher.

“She’s been a part of my life since the third grade,” Hicks said. “Her love of teaching is evident and she’s always encouraged my love of musical theater.”

Forster said she was grateful Hicks thought so much of her to select her from a decade ago to be her STAR Teacher.

“It is an honor to be chosen,” she said. “Audrey has an insatiable thirst for learning.”

Finally, Alexander Turley was named STAR Student for Victory Baptist School and chose history teacher Vanessa Torres, who has taught him every year since the seventh grade.

“She’s always stood out,” Turley said. “She’s excited about everything she teaches. I give her credit for the love of learning I have now.”

Torres said it was wonderful to see him mature over the years she’s taught him.

“Watching him grow up has been a pleasure,” Torres said. “He’s eager to learn and I am so proud of him. I know he’s going to be successful.”