Jones County High School’s STAR Student and STAR Teacher were recognized last week by the organization that has supported the program since 1959.
The Jones County Kiwanis Club hosted the Feb. 9 program that included recognizing the JCHS student who achieved the highest SAT score and is in the top 10 percent of their class.
The STAR Student selects a STAR Teacher who most influenced their success. This year’s STAR Student is Jacob Cash Bearden, and he selected Kim Hanner as his STAR Teacher.
Hanner teaches English Language Arts at JCHS.
Kiwanis Club President Joe Briley gave the welcome at the program and introduced JCHS Principal Dennis Wolfolk.
The principal began by thanking the Kiwanis Club for its continued support of the STAR Student program and other activities at the high school. He said he knew the STAR Student as Cash and had watched his development since they were both at Clifton Ridge Middle School.
Wolfolk was assistant principal and principal at the middle school before his current position at the high school.
“Cash stood out because of his ethics, respect and hard work. It’s an honor to recognize him,” he said.
Wolfolk said Bearden had a strong family foundation, and he was able to watch him grow as a young man. He said the STAR Student is in the top 10 of his graduating class and has 22 college credits.
“Cash is an athlete. He started in baseball and now excels in golf,” he said. “I’m most impressed by his character balance,” he said.
The principal said Bearden is planning to attend the University of Georgia or Mercer University.
“I have no doubt he will achieve wherever he goes. He is a great role model to other students,” he said. “I’m proud of you and can’t think of anyone better to represent us.”
Bearden thanked the Kiwanis Club for the recognition and introduced his family in attendance.
“They’ve always been there for me,” he said.
He stated he was honored to receive the award, and the selection of his STAR teacher was not an easy one. Bearden said all the Jones County teachers he had during his school years were amazing.
He said it was his sister who helped him. She told him to think of the teacher who helped make him who he is as a person.
“That was clearly Ms. Hanner. She was my teacher and mentor,” he said. “She was always open to talk to me and reminded me to keep my faith at my center.”
Bearden said Hanner shaped him into who he is and who he will become.
Hanner was next to speak and was emotional as she talked about Bearden.
“Cash just has a presence. He’s kind and helpful while being competitive,” she said. “He has a competitive drive like very few students have.”
Hanner said all his previous teachers were also very proud of him. The STAR Teacher said she was very proud and honored that he selected her.
“I hope and pray for the best for him all of his life,” she said.
Briley presented Bearden with his award and a scholarship check. Hanner was also presented with an award and check.
“Jones County is a great school system. It’s our privilege to host this recognition,” he said.
Kiwanis Club member William Mathews introduced the new JCSS Superintendent Dr. Jessica Graves, who was in attendance, and invited her to address the audience.
