A Gilmer High School (GHS) senior with a passion for science and math is GHS’ 2023 STAR Student.
Esteban Cecilio received the academic achievement-based honor — for which qualifying students must have the highest SAT score on a single test date and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on GPA — last week.
About his favorite subjects, Cecilio said, “I enjoy math because, through the years of learning math, the topics keep building off each other, making them more and more interesting. Also, the satisfaction of completing a complicated math problem is like no other. Science is one of my favorites because everything works in a natural way. Humans didn’t create the process, yet science works in the most efficient and beautiful ways possible, which I’ve always found fascinating.”
Cecilio named Dr. Melissa Galloway, science teacher at Clear Creek Middle School, as his STAR Teacher.
“When I think back to the one teacher that made an impact on my school career, I always think back to Dr. Galloway,” he said.
Cecilio said Galloway helped him realize that school doesn’t have to be a stressful task, but instead can be a fun challenge to overcome.
“She accomplished this through her way of teaching and her personal connection with students,” he added. “(This) allowed her to communicate with the class easier and made her class feel not so much of a task, but more like a friendly conversation between teacher and students. She also incorporated many hands-on projects that made learning easier and more engaging.”
Galloway said she taught Cecilio in 8th grade, but he was taking a ninth grade physical science course and was able to earn high school science credit while still in middle school.
“Esteban was a standout student from day one. He was always motivated to do his best and never shied away from a challenge,” said Galloway. “One thing that makes a great student is not only their ability to study and make good grades for themselves, but to also help those around them meet and exceed their goals. That is Esteban.”
Overseen by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), the STAR (or Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) process begins each year with participating Georgia high schools naming and honoring a STAR Student and Teacher.
The STAR Students and Teachers also receive special recognition in their individual communities from civic organizations and businesses that sponsor the program. The local STAR sponsor is the Ellijay Lions Club.
STAR Students later compete for regional honors, and region winners go on to compete for the title of State PAGE STAR Student.
“We are very proud of Mr. Cecilio and Dr. Galloway and the academic excellence they have exemplified,” said Derek Bowen, GHS principal.
Esteban Cecilio is the son of Delfino and Idelma Cecilio, of Ellijay. After graduating from GHS, he plans to study at the University of Georgia.
“I plan on obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering,” Cecilio said.