By Staff
May 13, 2003
Blair E. Johnson has been named as a STAR Student for the 2002-2003 school year by the Mississippi Economic Council's M.B. Swayze Educational Foundation, sponsor of the STAR program.
STAR stands for "Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition"
The Kemper Academy senior was honored during the 13th Annual Education Celebration April 25 at Mississippi College in Clinton. This prestigious event was co-sponsored by Entergy.
STAR students are selected on the basis of academic excellence. Both America College Test scores and scholastic averages help determine each school's STAR Student. The STAR program encourages and promotes academic achievement among Mississippi's high school seniors.
Johnson is the daughter of Jerry and Crystal Johnson.
Barbara L. Breckenridge was chosen Kemper Academy's STAR Teacher. She teaches health and family dynamics. She also was named STAR Teacher in 1995 and 2002.
Deshon Christian of Marion has been named a United States National Award Winner for leadership and his service in the student council. This honor is awarded to fewer than 10 percent of all American high school students.
Christian, who attends Northeast High School, was nominated for this national award by Carole Lewis, a Northeast High School teacher. He will appear in the United States Achievement Academy Official Yearbook, which is published nationally.
The Academy selects winners based on the recommendations of teachers, coaches, counselors and other qualified sponsors. The organization also has selection standards based on academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities and responsibility.
Christian is the son of Wilson and Gloria Christian of Marion. His grandparents are Clovis and Annie Wright of Meridian and Daisy Christian of Meridian.
Mitchell Aaron Taylor of Meridian has accepted membership into the Golden Key International Honour Society and was honored during a ceremony on campus.
Golden Key International Honour Society is a non-profit, academic honors organization that provides academic recognition, leadership opportunities, community service, career networking and scholarships to students.
Taylor, a junior at Mississippi State University, is a 2000 graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School. He is the son of Guy and B.J. Taylor.
Lois Cooper, Future Business Leaders of America adviser at the Newton County Career and Technical Center, was recognized at the State FBLA Leadership Conference as "Adviser of the Year" for the Central District. She teaches business computer technology.
Cooper has taught business and computer classes for many years at Decatur High School and in the Newton County school system. She also taught gifted students for five years at Decatur High School. She has taken state winners to the National FBLA Leadership Conference for the past three years. Five of her students will be attending the National Leadership Conference this June.