TOP STUDENT
James Rackley is the STAR Student for 2023 at the Jones County High School, and he honored Dames Ferry Elementary School social studies teacher, Rusty Owens, as the STAR Teacher for 2023.
Rackley said he’s always lived in Jones County, and a lot of his family lives in the county, too. He said he enjoys the small town he lives in.
“I’ve made really good friends here in Jones County. It’s been a good place to me,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed growing up in Jones County and being a part of this community.”
Rackley said he knew he was in the running for STAR Student, since people talk, but he wasn’t sure he achieved the award. He was surprised, but not that surprised. He said getting to tell the STAR Teacher he had chosen was exciting for him.
“It was validating to receive such a prestigious honor from the school. It definitely took some effort to reach STAR Student. We have a great school, and we have some really driven students here; it was definitely an accomplishment,” the honoree said.
To be eligible for STAR Student, a student has to be a senior and achieve the highest SAT score at their school. The STAR Teacher is selected for the academic contribution the teacher has made to the student, according to pageinc.org.
The STAR Student said he had really good teachers and classmates that pushed him to get good grades and become a better student. He said he chose Owens as STAR Teacher, because he was a great teacher and memories of his lessons have stuck with Rackley all this time.
“It was such a long time ago he taught those lessons, but it proves to me he’s a great teacher,” the STAR Student said. “He’s helped me a lot along the way, and I picked Mr. Owens for those reasons. He was a favorite teacher of mine, and he taught me social studies and science in fifth grade at Turner Woods. I think he was shocked I was there presenting him as STAR Teacher.”
Owens said he remembers Rackley being a leader even in fifth grade, a model student, curious about science and social studies, respectful, and highly motivated. Owens said he personally grew up in Dublin and has been in Jones County almost 20 years since college. He said he taught all of his 18 years in Jones County, and he loves living here.
“We were having class as usual, and when they announced James as the STAR Student in my classroom, I realized I was chosen as STAR Teacher. He came around the corner, and we hugged. I was so surprised and very proud of James for his achievement. It was cool that I was able to impact a student from so many years ago in a significant way,” he said.
Rackley said he isn’t sure what he wants to do after high school with his career, but he knows Owens has set him up for a bright, successful future. He said he wants to attend the University of Georgia, since his parents attended the university, and the school has great programs for his potential interests.
He said he’s enjoyed his time at Jones County High School, being a part of the wrestling team since sixth grade and a part of other clubs. The honoree said it’s bittersweet to be graduating this year, but he’s ready to spread his wings.
“I applied to major for a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, but I’m not sure. I like science, and Mr. Owens 100% fueled that,” Rackley said. “I definitely have a passion for the sciences thanks to him, but he also fueled my knowledge of history.”
The STAR Teacher said he’s very proud of Rackley for achieving STAR Student and said it’s more about Rackley than him. He said it makes his heart happy to see a former student succeeding and finding his way.
“It always means a lot when you hear kids say they have been inspired to do certain things, because of your teaching,” Owens said. “James is one of those students who will be successful regardless of the field he chooses. I’m excited to see where his path leads him.”
