Meridian High School is recognizing Ronald Norman Jr. and Donna Smith were recently named 2024-2025 STAR Student and STAR Teacher respectively by the Mississippi Economic Council.

 

As the STAR Student, Norman, a senior, will have his name listed with the “Class of 2025” STAR Students and STAR Teachers. Star Students are selected based on academic excellence. Both American College Test scores and scholastic averages are compared to determine the school’s STAR Student, explained Vickie Powell of Jackson, senior vice president of foundations.

 

“The STAR program encourages and promotes academic achievement among Mississippi’s high school seniors,” she said.

 

Each STAR Student is then asked to designate a STAR Teacher, who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement.

 

This year will mark the 60th anniversary of the STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) program, which is held for the purpose of recognizing outstanding students and teachers in Mississippi through its Education Celebration event.

 

More than 600 STAR Students and STAR Teachers will receive recognition at the Education Celebration. The top 20 STAR Students –The ALL-STAR Scholars – will receive scholarships, and their STAR Teachers will receive awards provided by the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation. The highlight of the Education Celebration will be the naming of the Mississippian ALL-STAR Scholar for 2024 – 2025 school year, who will win the coveted $24,000 Cook Foundation Scholarship.