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mates; these students then select a teacher that has had the greatest impact on them during school as their STAR Teacher.

The ceremony is sponsored and hosted locally by the Vidalia Kiwanis Club, and several banks contributed to the event, including Altamaha Bank & Trust Company, Georgia First Bank, Peoples Bank, Mount Vernon Bank, and Vidalia Federal Savings Bank.

This year also featured a banquet provided by Montgomery County Schools. Banquet sponsors included Woody Folsom Automotive Group, Waller Construction, Dot Foods, Howard Mortuary, and Paul Thigpen Automotive.

PAGE Membership Services Representative Laura Clements attended the event on behalf of the Association, and was recognized during the ceremony. Montgomery County High School Montgomery County High School STAR Student Evan Hardeman was the first to take the mic, as he shared his gratitude for all of the individuals who had helped to shape him over the years.

“I'm very thankful to represent Montgomery County High School as this year's STAR Student,” he began. “Tonight, it's not just about myself, but those who have stood by and supported me. I would not have the opportunity to stand before you tonight if it were not for those behind me. This room is filled with my parents, my grandparents, teachers, administrators, and community members that have all stood behind me. They have poured knowledge, wisdom, effort, and time into myself so that I could reach my fullest potential.”

Hardeman explained that when tasked with selecting the teacher who had the most impact on him, selecting Montgomery County High School Agriculture Teacher Brittany Braddy was an easy choice. “She was someone that I continuously ran back to in my mind because she was always with me for each step of my journey. Just four short years ago, I stepped into my first high school agriculture class and was greeted by a very familiar, and of course, a smiling face in Miss Brittany Braddy,” he told the audience. “She has always been a part of my life from the time that I was in my dad's classroom and she was one of his students. And quick fun fact — actually during that time, I beat her in a pig show whenever I was just eight years old, so I always have those bragging rights. Now, I don't mention that very often, but it's those stories like that that I have that [made it where] once I stepped into that classroom, I knew that I was home.”

Hardeman continued, as he emphasized the importance of agriculture and the Future Farmers of America (FFA), which is the biggest student organization in the nation. He explained that he had been able to be an intricate part of the local, regional, and state FFA chapters, serving in leadership roles in each – all of which he said would not have been possible without Braddy’s encouragement.

“But perhaps the most notable lesson that I've learned from Ms. Braddy over the years can be summarized in one word — and that's ‘belief,’” he emphasized. “A belief in God above, a belief in agriculture, and a belief in others. Belief is the definition of her character as a teacher and a person.”

He added, “She continuously believed in me as I’ve navigated life through serving our chapter, area, and state as an FFA officer. She believed in me as we walked across the stage at the 97th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis as I received my proficiency award. And her belief in me has driven me now to pursue a major in agricultural education. Everything that she has poured into me has helped me realize the direction that I want to take in life.”

To become an agricultural education teacher, Hardeman plans on attending the University of Georgia and majoring in the subject. “By growing up in this community rooted in agriculture and learning from the best about true leadership, I realize that I want to give back,” he told the audience.

He spoke of his gratitude for the Montgomery County School System and his parents, as he said, “I'm very grateful for this community that has shaped me into who I am today. But none of it would have been possible without the foundation that I was given by my family. My parents have always been my biggest supporters, even though they take almost nothing credit for who I am today. From early mornings traveling to contests, late nights at officer meetings, days and even weeks away from home as I served as an FFA officer, they have always been my rock. My parents, my grandparents, and my little sister have always been there for me when I needed it most — I love them.”

He concluded his speech by thanking everyone who made the event possible, and were even willing to adjust the event date due to a conflict in his schedule.

Montgomery County STAR Teacher Brittany Braddy then took to the podium, as she thanked Hardeman for his kind words and emphasized her pride in his accomplishments.

“Thank you, Evan, first of all, for your kind words, and it's a privilege to stand up here with you today to celebrate your hard-earned accomplishments,” she began. “I, again, also have the unique opportunity to know Evan Hardeman for most of his life. After all, again, it seems like just yesterday that Mr. Jonathan Hardeman, Evan's dad, was my agriculture teacher here at Montgomery County High School, and Evan was the little kid that got to tag along to all the conferences and conventions, kept us laughing, having a ball, but now we have come such a long way since then. Now, I get to be the teacher, and he gets to go to the conferences and conventions because he's supposed to, and he has all these amazing leadership responsibilities that he has to do, but I'm glad he's able to do it.”

She continued, as she explained that Hardeman’s freshman year was also her first year of teaching, creating a unique bond between she and his class. “We were all learning together, and I can't say enough how much I appreciated their patience, support, and willingness to try new things that year and how much I still appreciate that in the years that can follow as we aspire to grow a little more and a little better each year,” she recalled.

Braddy explained that throughout her teaching career as both an agriculture teacher and a FFA adviser, she had learned that no two days are the same. “During the school day, we can spend our time traipsing through the outdoors, learning about forest management with clinometers and logger stakes in hand; in a livestock barn — as Evan mentioned earlier giving haircuts and baths to pampered show pigs; in the ag mechanics shop, building picnic tables or following an electrical wiring diagram; putting together floral designs like the ones on your tables that you see here today that [Montgomery County Middle School Agriculture Teacher] Mrs. [Nicole] Smith worked on with her classes earlier in the day so we could have these lovely decorations; pooling and analyzing soil samples, planting a garden, and the list goes on,” she told the audience.

She continued to highlight the joys of being an agriculture teacher, such as attending events and camps. “The hours are long, the memories are endless, and the relationships that are cultivated make it all worthwhile,” she summarized.

Braddy explained that her passion for agriculture now combined with her desire to help students be their best.

“Students like Evan Hardeman helped to bring this goal to life. When you have a student like Evan, you have to stay on your toes. They have a standard of excellence that is not finite, but that rises as they rise. And as a teacher, you can only hope to keep up as they chase their potential, and I have seen Mr. Hardeman do just that.”

Braddy highlighted Hardeman’s academic and agricultural successes, as she explained that he had been selected as a scholarship recipient for the Washington Leadership Conference, served as a voting delegate for the largest student- led organization in the country, and was among the top four individuals in the country to receive a Specialty Animal Production Proficiency Award for his work with honey bees.

“I believe the things that are most special about Mr. Hardman cannot be defined or quantified on paper, but instead are evidenced in his character. Evan's work ethic as a young person is unmatched. He has held several different jobs or internships over the course of his high school career while maintaining excellent academic work and committing to serving others. Whether it's in the bee yards of Hardeman Apiaries or the aisles of Ace Hardware, Evan is no stranger to good oldfashioned work. Evan is also an unspoken mentor to many in our school. From freshmen and sophomores who look to him for advice or guidance to middle school students who look up to him as a person to learn from and emulate, he is a student leader and role model to many. Mrs. Smith knows this firsthand with her young ag students when we have collaborative practices or meetings, a small group of shadows never stray far from him,” she told the audience.

“Perhaps most importantly, Evan has the heart of a servant. He is a person who actively seeks out opportunities for the benefits of others and does them without hesitation or need for recognition. Evan is a person of high moral character, tenacity, and intelligence. He has always represented his family, school, and community exceptionally. Evan, I am so proud of the person you have become, and I know your future is great because of whose hands it is in,” she concluded, as she thanked the Hardeman family for allowing her to be in Evan’s life.

Robert Toombs Christian Academy Robert Toombs Christian Academy STAR Student Autumn Moore has attended the school since preschool and plans to pursue a career in the medical field after graduation.

“Although I've been accepted into UGA, Georgia Tech, Mercer, and Berry, I'm currently undecided for my college. I would like to thank several special people who have pushed me throughout high school to be the very best student that I could be, who have always encouraged me to do my best and strive for more than I thought was possible,” she began.

She shared her gratitude for Robert Toombs Christian Academy Science Teacher Mary Ann Kimmons for helping her to discover a love for science. “As my freshman year biology teacher and track coach, she made a lasting impact. Ultimately, she is the reason that I chose to enter the medical field. Her passion for science and ability to make learning fun helped me to develop a passion for science as well,” Moore told the audience.

Moore then thanked Southeastern Technical College Math Instructor Bee Hart for his help in developing her into the person she is today, as she remarked, “I would like to thank Dr. Hart at STC for showing me that math isn't quite as bad as I thought it was and for being an incredible teacher. I can say that at least partly I owe him for my SAT score as the material he taught helped me tremendously. I would also like to thank my history teacher.”

She spoke about her admiration for Robert Toombs Christian Academy History Teacher La-Ree Findley, as she said, “Even though I had always thought history to be boring, Miss Finley made it intriguing and challenging. Her teaching has helped me in many separate courses, such as English, to recognize and have background information on the subject to discuss.”

Moore added, “Speaking of English, I would like to finally thank my star teacher, Mrs. [Linda] Scott. I knew that she was someone who truly cared about me as a teacher and person whenever I asked her for help on learning to write an APA style paper for a different class, and she did. She loaned me one of her books and was there to answer any questions I had. What may not have been a big deal to her may have been a huge deal to me.” She continued, “Since then, Mrs. Scott has been instrumental in helping me to be a writer and avid reader that I am today. Even now, the teaching that she did positively impacts my current grades. This is the kind of teacher that we want in our school systems — the kind who truly loves their job and their students; the one who goes the extra mile and always has that sparkle about her. Thank you so much for being a part of my day.”

Robert Toombs Christian Academy STAR Teacher Linda Scott then took to the microphone. “I was overwhelmed for this honor. I was almost speechless,” Scott emphasized about the honor.

“I remember one of her first essays – it was fabulous. This is a talent. Yes, you have training, but she was a natural,” Scott recalled, as she that Moore had advanced ability that stood out among her classmates.

She told Moore that she was sure Moore would be an excellent physician, and hoped she returned to the area. “When you come back, I will be thrilled,” she remarked. Toombs County High School Toombs County High School STAR Student Clark Brannen began his address by thanking his parents and other supporters for helping him to accomplish all that he could throughout his high school career, as he emphasized that he would take the skills and lessons learned throughout the years with him to help him be successful. He also shared his future plans in life, as he intends to seek a degree in law from the University of Georgia.

He then explained why he selected Toombs County High School P.E. Teacher and Wrestling Coach Todd Allen as his STAR Teacher. He recounted the moment from a recent wrestling tournament when he told his coach that he was selecting Allen for the honor. “He said, ‘Dude, you’re one of the smartest kids I know – and you’re going to choose a P.E. coach as your STAR Teacher?’” Brannen told the audience. “But, I mean, it’s true. There’s no one that I’ve encountered in the education system that has had any sort of impact on my life like Coach Allen has.’

Brannen continued, “He made in an impact on me by just bringing me in and making me part of a family. He is probably next to my parents as the most impactful person in my life.”

Brannen informed the audience that when he began wrestling his freshman year, he had very little skill in the sport, as he said he was not the athlete that he is today. “[Coach Allen] taught me how to build a successful wrestling career. You know, I was definitely not used to the cutting weight and running at 12 a.m. at night to make weight the next morning, but that kind of discipline helps you to be who you are later in life.”

Yet, most of all, it was Allen’s enthusiasm for life that inspired Brannen, as Brannen concluded, “Through his example, I learned to enjoy life.”

Allen began his speech by reflecting on Brannen’s success, saying, “Clark is an exceptional scholar whose academic accomplishments set him apart among his peers. He earned the highest SAT score at our high school, a remarkable achievement that demonstrates not only his intelligence, but also his discipline and dedication to learning. In addition to his academic success, Clark is actively engaged in his community. He currently serves as an intern for the City of Lyons, where he has gained valuable experience in civic responsibility and leadership. Through this role, Clark has shown a genuine commitment to serving others and contributing positively to his community.”

He added, “It is ironic that Clark, one of the brightest students in our school, selects a PE teacher as his STAR Teacher. Other than him not being able to beat me in any other sport other than pickleball, I believe Clark chose me as a scholar teacher because of the relationship I built through the sport of wrestling — one of the toughest sports ever. Clark is a member of our wrestling team, and his story is one of perseverance and determination.”

A lleninformedtheaudience of Brannen’s wrestling background. “When he first joined our program, wrestling was a challenge for him. However, through hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to improvement, Clark transformed himself into a valuable contributor on one of the most successful and respected wrestling programs in the state of Georgia. It took many rides home — not because Mom wouldn't come get him but because Clark wanted to pick my brain. It took some long bus rides with him ‘keeping me awake’ while I drive… Not really. Clark just wanted to ask my opinion on an opponent or what my thoughts were on our chances at the next tournament. His growth as an athlete reflects the same character he demonstrates in the classroom and in this community.”

He emphasized that Brannen deserved the honor of being named STAR Student because of his excellence being well-rounded and visible in every area of his life. “What makes Clark truly deserving of this recognition is his ability to balance rigorous academics, athletic commitment, and public service with humility and integrity. He exemplifies the qualities of leadership, perseverance, and excellence that we strive to instill in all of our students. Clark Brandon represents the very best of what our school stands for. His achievements today are impressive, but even more inspiring is the promise of what he will accomplish in the future,” Allen concluded.

Vidalia Heritage Academy

Vidalia Heritage Academy STAR Student Brannen Brantley told the audience that he was honored to represent the school because of its impact on his life, as he emphasized his gratitude for the recognition.

“My time at VHA has been more than I can express. From my very first day as a ninth grader, I felt supported and encouraged. This school has always felt like more than just a