From Staff Reports

AMERICUS — Senior Jordan Walters has been named Americus-Sumter High School’s PAGE STAR student for the 2018-19 school year. Walters chose ASHS instructor Ethel Rankine, Ph.D., to share in the award and serve as his STAR teacher.
The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) is sponsored, administered, and promoted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). Since its creation by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in 1958, the STAR program has honored nearly 26,000 students and teachers. In order to qualify for a STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.
Each year participating Georgia high schools name a STAR student, who then chooses a STAR teacher from that school to share in the recognition. The students and their teachers are honored by their schools and also receive special recognition in the community from sponsoring civic organizations and businesses. Students then compete for school system recognition as the top STAR Student, and those winners compete for region honors. Region winners contend for the honor of being named “State PAGE STAR Student.” The STAR Teachers mentor their STAR Students at every stage of the process.
Walters stated he is honored to represent his school in such a notable way. “It’s a blessing to be put in the position to receive this award,” he said. “I’m thankful for every individual who pushed me to exceed my limits.”
Rankine was surprised when she found out she had been chosen by Walters to be his STAR Teacher. “I’m honored he chose me, and I’m proud of everything he has accomplished. He is an outstanding student with a lot of potential. I have known Jordan for several years and he has always been above average in everything he does. I hold very high expectations for him.”