Teachers and students achieve success together
You don’t have to go to Hollywood to be a star. High test scores and high grades can get you there, too.
Gilmer High School 2026 seniors Rose Bawihnem and Harper Davenport both won the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) award from the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE).
To get this award, a senior student must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT. In grade point average, they must be in the top 10 percent or the top 10 students in their class.
“It feels pretty good, a lot of hard work and a lot of time,” Davenport said.
STAR students also get to honor a teacher to share in their recognition.
Bawihnem recognized Gilmer High School teacher Mary May.
“I chose this teacher because they not only helped me discover a subject I loved, but confidence in myself,” she said.
She thanked May for helping her to think more deeply.
May congratulated Bawihnem as well.
“She’s a phenomenal student,” she said. “I’m really honored she chose me.”
Davenport recognized Gilmer High School teacher Heath Hinton.
“He’s a great person, and he really cares about his students and their success,” Davenport said.
Hinton said Davenport was an outstanding student.
“He really tries to learn, and doesn’t just try to get the grade,” he said.
Since its creation, the STAR program has honored more than 30,000 students and the teachers who have influenced their academic achievements.
For STAR recognition winners, the award can often be a first step. Students compete for school system titles, region honors and State STAR student honors.
Davenport and Bawihnem will be graduating along with their classmates on Thursday, May 21.