With the new year in full-swing, it’s not just Hollywood in the midst of award season. The Lumpkin County School System has officially begun the annual cycle of recognizing achievements within the school community, starting with the announcement of Lumpkin County High School’s 2024-2025 STAR Student, Jonathan Wright. STAR stands for Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, a program created by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and now overseen by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). This program honors the top excelling high school seniors of each accredited Georgia high school. To be eligible, a student must hold the highest SAT score of their graduating class as well as be in the top 10 percent of their class by grade point average. After being nominated by a school official, the chosen eligible student is then asked to choose a STAR Teacher, someone who taught them in class who they believe most-positively shaped their academic career.
Wright was recognized for his selection as STAR Student at the most recent Board of Education Meeting by LCHS principal Brian Matthews.
“I think Mr. Wright is certainly smart enough to help us change the world,” said Matthews. “He is our STAR Student with the highest SAT score for the class of 2025. His score was a 1570 out of 1600.”
Attending community members responded to Matthews' commendation with raucous applause at the announcement of Wright’s near-perfect score, seemingly unable to contain their pride.
“We’re proud of you for that,” continued Matthews.
In addition to this work inside the classroom, Wright is heavily involved in extracurricular pursuits, being a member of the Lumpkin County Jazz band and Academic Quiz team. Principal Matthews took the time to quote teacher Aaron Hopper, coach of the LCHS Academic team.
“Jonathan is a key part of our Academic team,” said Hopper. “His knowledge of science and physics is unmatched.”
“Oohh's” and “Aahh's” murmured from the crowd at each comment celebrating Wright’s well-rounded and successful academic pursuits, and rightly so. The exemplary track record of Lumpkin’s Academic team earned them a spot in the National Academic Quiz Team National Championship Tournament in May, demonstrating that these comments are more than just kind words.
“Jonathan is a beacon of academic excellence. His brilliance, coupled with his unwavering character and drive, inspires everyone fortunate enough to know him,” said Bricen Popko, fellow senior and Academic Team member alongside Wright.
Also recognized as Lumpkin County’s STAR Teacher was LCHS math teacher Don Brock, who was nominated by Wright. This is Brock’s second consecutive year as STAR Teacher, having been nominated last year by 2024 STAR Student Will McKinney.
“Mr. Brock is an excellent teacher but also just a great person in general,” Wright told The Nugget. “He is very wise and passed a lot of that onto us during lessons, and I really enjoyed being in his class.”
Brock, who attended the recognition ceremony over Zoom, had plenty of praise for Wright as well.
“Jonathan is one of those students that you want to challenge each and every day, and each and every day he meets that challenge…” he said, the audience remaining still to let his words come through clear over the laptop speaker. “...It was a true honor to have had you in the class for a small part of your educational career. You’re a very special young man.”
Brock received further acknowledgement from Lumpkin County Superintendent Sharon Head.
“This is the second year in a row that Coach Brock has been chosen as our STAR Teacher, so thank you very much. We’re honored that he was a part of our school system for so long and made such a difference in kids’ lives,” she concluded.
In addition to recognition at the school level, PAGE also chooses from School Star Students at the system, regional, and state levels. Wright is currently eligible for the regional selection, competing against other systems’ STAR students, including those from Dawson County, Hall County and White County. If chosen, he would be among 12 students eligible for the State Title.
And judging from the reactions from teachers, board members, peers, and parents in the community, it's clear they believe Wright has what it takes to go all the way.
“It’s a great honor to have,” he said. “And I’m very grateful to have received it.”
