MSMS Students Recognized at STAR Student Luncheon

STAR students and teachers pose for a photo at the STAR student luncheon.

STAR students and teachers pose for a photo at the STAR student luncheon.

Brady Suttles, News Editor

Twelve hardworking MSMS seniors were recognized Thursday morning for their accomplishments as STAR students at a luncheon with their selected STAR teachers.

For most high schools, the award of STAR Student is attained by the senior with the highest ACT score; however, MSMS often has many more than one that qualify. To become a STAR student at MSMS, an individual must attain at least a 35 composite score on the ACT and hold an overall grade average of a 93. When a student reaches this title of STAR student, they are allowed to pick a teacher to be recognized as their STAR teacher.

The twelve MSMS students who attained this, along with their chosen teachers are: 

Gary Nguyen and Dr. Scott Curtis

Emily King and Dr. Thomas Easterling

Alex Whitwam and Mrs. Kaye Truitt

Kendra Bradley and Dr. Philip Benge

William Johnson and Dr. Charles Vaughan

Steven Chung and Mr. Kishan Patel

Kevin Liao and Dr. Kayla Hester

Leah Pettit and Mrs. Lauren Zarandona

Christina Comino and Mrs. Shae Koenigsberger

Griffin Stewart and Mr. Richard Muli

Jim Zhang and Dr. Tina Gibson

Vivienne Tenev and Dr. Elizabeth Morgan

At the luncheon, the students were applauded for their accomplishments by different keynote speakers including Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves and others. Additionally, the top 20 STAR students, known as ALL-STAR students, were given special recognition with their STAR teachers and were awarded a small scholarship. Four MSMS students placed as ALL-STARs. Among these were Gary Nguyen, Emily King, William Johnson and Alex Whitwam.

Whitwam attained further recognition as the first runner-up for the ALL-STAR Scholar, placing second in the state. Whitwam received a 20,000 scholarship through his accomplishment.

Whitwam talked about his accomplishment and his feelings when finding out his distinguished title.

“I was pretty surprised, as I wasn’t expecting it at all, but once it sank in I was incredibly excited. Like most people, I’m a big fan of free money.”

Whitwam’s STAR teacher, Mrs. Kaye Truitt, also received a small award for her hard work.  She spoke with gratitude about Whitwam’s decision to choose her as his STAR teacher.

“When Alex asked me I was very honored. This is my fifteenth year to teach and this is the first time I’ve been selected, so it was quite an honor, especially coming from here because all the teachers are fantastic and I imagine for any student who is a STAR student here it is a tough decision choosing.”

One of the attendees of the event was Director of Academic Affairs Kelly Brown. Brown spoke with pride on the accomplishments of her students at MSMS.

“Well, that is always exciting for the accomplishments of these students. Being named as a STAR student is something else that will allow scholarship opportunities at different schools, so that is an accomplishment for them.  This year we were really fortunate because we had four students that advanced not only to STAR student but to All-STAR student.”

Some of the STAR students expressed appreciation to their designated STAR teachers for the work they have put in their lives and the lives of others around the school.

Mr. Patel’s really cool and I feel like I got the closest to him out of all the teachers here. He doesn’t hesitate to call things out as they are and do what he needs to get you on track,” senior Stephen Chung commented in regards to his STAR teacher Kishan Patel.

“Dr. Curtis has been a great mentor during my time here at MSMS, and he has supported many of my goals along the way. He has helped me with many of my visions for chess club and is always willing to provide me with resources to help me accomplish them,” added senior Gary Nguyen about his STAR teacher Scott Curtis.

The event was a chance for these students to be recognized and applauded for their hard work during the past few years.