Kevin Davis Is Named Jasper County STAR

Kevin Davis of Piedmont Academy and his STAR teacher Ralph Hickman, along with Alina Jablonski and her STAR teacher, Christie McAlum of Jasper County High School were honored with a luncheon sponsored by the Monticello Kiwanis Club Monday.

Mr. Davis was named county wide STAR. STAR stands for Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition, and the program is sponsored statewide by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). Jimmy Jordan, Director of Membership for PAGE, presided over the STAR ceremony.

Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce President Pam Mayer was the guest speaker, and she spoke about community. She discussed what the COC’s role is in the community, and talked about how we work together in a small community and we can be personal.

She said Jasper County is central Georgia’s best kept secret. Jasper County is filled with natural resources, and is rich in history, she said. She talked about some famous people from Jasper County, illustrating that humble beginnings do not mean success is hard to come by. She talked about some of the challenges of a small community.

Mrs. Mayer told the student, “Our community is proud of you.” She encouraged the students to go off and get their schooling, but then to return to Jasper County, or some other small town, and make a difference.

Mr. Davis was the first STAR student to speak and he said he had been accepted into the honors college at the University of Georgia. He plans to attend UGA and major in micro-biology, then go to medical school where his interest is forensic science.

He had high praise for his math teacher, Ralph Hickman, saying he was a man of integrity, strong moral character, and a great educator.

Mr. Hickman said he taught both of the STAR students in fifth grade music at Piedmont Academy and both of them geometry in ninth grade. He said Mr. Davis understands the power of education and that he will go a long way.

Miss Jablonski first talked about her parents saying they are really amazing and motivational. She said she has had so many opportunities because of them. She said she is uncertain of plans beyond high school, but has applied to nine schools, and expects to hear from those that have not yet replied soon. She has been accepted to Penn State.

Miss Jablonski said she had Ms. McAlum for three years as a teacher, and said she is an amazing teacher, and she has learned os much particularly in pre-calculus and calculus. Ms. McAlum also works with Miss Jablonski in the gifted program, Quiz Bowl team, and Beta Club.

Mrs. McAlum talked about the superior student Miss Jablonski is, and explained that she always gives a summer project. Miss Jablonski’s booklet looked like a professional had produced it she said. She said Miss Jablonski is bright and dedicated, as well as very conscientious. She is very competitive, but is also unfailingly kind. She said her kindness and intelligence combined with her work ethic will lead her anywhere she wants to go.