The Morgan County Board of Education’s March 10 meeting featured several recognitions.
First, the BOE recognized STAR Student Rishi Patel, who couldn't attend the meeting, and STAR Teacher Pam Hooten.
To earn the recognition, a senior must have the highest single-test-date SAT score at their high school and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.
Patel chose Hooten, a calculus teacher, as his STAR Teacher because he believed he had made the most significant contribution to his scholastic development.
The BOE also recognized the grade-level winners of the Young Georgia Authors (YGA) writing competition,, who will advance to the Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) competition. YGA encourages students to develop enthusiasm for and expertise in their writing, provides a context to celebrate writing successes, and recognizes student achievement in the arts and academics.
Winners included Jacy Brown, kindergarten; Avery Childers, first grade; Daniel (Rex) Cofield, second grade; Tucker Summers, third grade; Kennedy Kalland, fourth grade; Skylar Mabry, fifth grade; Lennart Nagel, sixth grade; Ava McQueen, seventh grade; Emmalee Sims, eighth grade; Harper Patrick, ninth grade; Sylas Hulsey, 10th grade; Jeff Guinn, 11th grade; and Reese McPherson, 12th grade.
Several high school wrestlers were also recognized for placing in the 3A state tournament. Those included Paul Bessette, who placed fifth in the 138-pound weight class; Jatavious Ward, who placed third in the 215-pound weight class; and Clay Turner, who placed third in the 285-pound weight class.
Athletic Director Greg Thompson highlighted other accomplishments for the wrestlers.
He noted that team captain Bessette, a two-time state placer, was named to this year’s All-Area First Team. Bessette has 139 career wins and went 36-9 this season.
Turner, a first-time state placer, was also named to the All-Area First Team this season and recognized as Area Wrestler of the Year. He has 79 career wins and finished the season at 44-8.
Ward, another first-time state placer, was also selected for the All-Area First Team. He has 63 career wins and ended the season at 30-10.
Thompson also presented awards to high school swimmers and divers who placed at their respective state championships.
They included Caroline Jenkins, who placed fourth in the A-3A diving championship and sixth overall in A-4A. Thompson said she continues to improve and move up in state rankings each season, including breaking her previous record by more than 60 points and moving up three places this year.
Swimmer Mary Ella Weldon was recognized for placing in the top 20 in multiple state events, including 15th place in the individual medley and 100-yard breaststroke and 19th place in the 200-yard freestyle relay and 200-yard medley relay.
Thompson acknowledged that Weldon also holds the school record in the 200-yard freestyle, 500-yard freestyle, 100-yard freestyle, and 100-yard breaststroke events, and has received the MVP Award each year of high school for scoring the most varsity points.
Several students were also recognized for being named to the All-State Band and All-State Chorus, where they represent Morgan County as the “best of the best” student musicians in Georgia.
Students included (High School All-State Band) Harrison Buck, Reese Freyer, Cooper Griner; (High School All-State Chorus) Molly Copeland, Jackson LaBarre, Sora Rose, Stuart Rose, Annabell Sparrow, Becca Thomas, Grace Vash; (Middle School All-State Band) Sam Buff, Mallory Davidson, Avery Hopkins, Logan Shugart, Logan Tennant, Liam Trice; (Middle School All-State Chorus) Amelia Ghann, Jenna Lee Kalland, Gianna Martinez, Lara Pierce, and Serenity Shaffer.
The BOE was also recognized for School Board Appreciation Month.
“We definitely feel like they’re supportive, and the successes we have in the classroom and on the ball field on the courts is a tribute to them,” said Jay Homan, assistant superintendent for administrative and student services. “We definitely think that excellence in the classroom starts with excellence on the board.”
“We could not do this without your support, so thank you,” Susan Tolbert, assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, told the board. “We offer so many things to so many students and adults because of you.”