The 2025 STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Students and Teachers for the Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) were announced at the Kiwanis Club of Griffin luncheon today. They are:
Griffin High School (GHS)
Gavin Smith– STAR Student
Jada Ingram - STAR Teacher
Spalding High School (SHS)
Claire Daniels - STAR Student
Dr. Chris Godat - STAR Teacher
To be named a STAR student, a high school senior must have the highest score on any single test date of the SAT taken through the November test date of their senior year and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average. The STAR teacher is selected by the declared high school STAR student for making the most significant contribution to their academic development.
GHS STAR Student Gavin Smith plans to pursue criminal justice at Mercer University or finance at the University of Georgia. Smith chose his FBLA Advisor, Business and Technology/Business Communications Teacher and Work-Based Learning Coordinator Jada Ingram as his STAR Teacher.
In his speech, Smith said, “William James stated, ‘The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it’ and I believe that is the way Ms. Ingram strives to live. Ms. Ingram has taught me that it is not about accolades to form a legacy but rather the lasting impression you could leave on somebody. Legacy has become my standard for life and that’s what I hope to accomplish in my future. I am thankful for Ms. Ingram and I want to thank God for all the opportunities to come.”
Ingram stated, “Gavin is someone who even in the midst of challenges, reminds us to have faith, to trust in something greater and to keep moving forward. I have no doubt that Gavin’s future is limitless. I know that one day I will be calling Gavin senator, pastor or doctor. I am so proud of him and am beyond grateful that our paths crossed.”
SHS STAR Student Claire Daniels plans to attend The University of Georgia and major in psychology. Daniels chose her Soccer Coach and English Teacher Dr. Chris Godat as her STAR Teacher. Daniels stated, “Dr. Godat is dedicated to ensuring his students get an education that will benefit them long after graduating high school. He doesn’t just teach the standards but also goes the extra mile to connect that learning to our own lives. His passion for teaching and literature is unmatched. He also carries that passion onto the soccer field where he strives to maintain a positive environment that fosters growth as leaders and teammates.”
Dr. Godat stated, “Claire is an amazing student, who gets my sarcasm. She always goes the extra mile and is a scholar-athlete, community leader, kind and considerate young lady. She truly exemplifies what it means to be a Lady Jag. Claire is proof that public school can produce amazing young people of character.”
Spalding High School STAR Student Claire Daniels and her STAR Teacher Dr. Chris Godat were announced as the county-wide district STAR Student and Teacher. The district STAR Student will compete for region-wide honors in the 12 STAR Regions. Region winners and their STAR Teachers then compete for the Georgia State STAR scholarships and awards.
The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) serves as the state coordinator of the STAR Program. The program is now in its 67th year and has honored nearly 30,000 students and their teachers.