TIFTON — Eager to reward stellar performance and dedication to education, the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce recognized several students and teachers of the community as STAR students and teachers at the chamber’s first monthly meeting of the year.

Organized by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, the Student Teacher Achievement Program recognizes graduating high school students who have excelled in their class and education, as well as the teachers who have helped them get there.

The STAR student designation can only be given to graduating high school seniors who have the highest score on the SAT for a single test date, as well as be in the top 10% or top 10 students of their class on grade point average alone.

Once STAR students are named, they choose a STAR teacher to share their recognition and honor them for their efforts in helping their students get to this level of achievement.

The Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce began its February meeting by awarding applicable students and teachers from Tiftarea Academy and Tift County High School.

From Tiftarea Academy, Chandler Light Livingston was recognized as a STAR student, with Christie Livingston being selected as his STAR teacher.

Tift County High School had two STAR students, Benjamin Vance Wilson and Michal Gregus, who respectively selected Cindy Marzen and Dr. Adriana Gregusova as their STAR teachers.

Gregus was not able to attend the meeting, due to traveling to Athens for his performance in the Georgia All-State Chorus event.

Each STAR student and STAR teacher was awarded a plaque, presented courtesy of Southwell, designating their achievement, while each STAR student received a $50 certificate from Synovus Bank.

The STAR students recognized for Tiftarea Academy and Tift County High School will have the chance to compete for higher prestige at the top rankings of school systems, regions and potentially even the state PAGE STAR student. Their STAR teachers will accompany them for every stage of the program.