Six of the brightest students in Douglas County were recognized during the annual Student 
Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) student and teacher program hosted by the Rotary Club of Douglas County Monday at the school system central office.
Chapel Hill High School’s Tevin Loke was named the overall Douglas County STAR Student with the highest SAT score in the county. Loke chose AP Calculus teacher Shirley Baugher as his STAR Teacher.
Loke credited Baugher with simplifying complex AP Calculus concepts in a way that resonates with students. Baugher praised Loke’s independent learning, mastery of AP Calculus and passion for space exploration.
"You are undoubtedly one of the most intelligent students I've ever had the pleasure of teaching," Baugher told Loke during the presentation. "I'm glad I have the privilege of playing a part in your education journey. The world is yours to do anything you want," she added.
Superintendent Dr. Trent North thanked the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation for sponsoring the program as well as the Rotary Club, parents, teachers, principals and the students.
Dr. North told the students, "Your ceiling is much greater than where you are today."
"I salute you, I congratulate you and I look forward to all of the many gifts and talents that we're going to benefit from," he continued. "You don't stop here. Whatever the next journey is for you, I look forward to seeing you excel at that level."
The other 2025-2026 STAR Students and their STAR Teachers are:
Alexander High School
Angeline Moses (Jacklyn Crawford)
Moses said her STAR Teacher, Jacklyn Crawford, challenged her in AP Literature to think more deeply and approach literature with greater insight and curiosity. Crawford said it’s rare to encounter a student like Moses who balances academic discipline with a refreshing and avant-garde intellectual curiosity.
Douglas County High School
Stevenson Vallere Jr. (Andrew Adams)
Vallere came up with an acronym for STAR Teacher, Andrew Adams’, last name: Ambitious, Dependable, Authentic, Modest and Supportive. Adams said being chosen as Vallere’s STAR Teacher was a full-circle moment for him – he himself was a STAR Student nearly 20 years ago. Adams called Vallere one of the most generous spirits he’s ever met and noted that Vallere has challenged his peers and teachers to give more of themselves. Vallere plans to attend Georgia Tech and major in mechanical engineering with a focus on community building and volunteer work.
Lithia Springs High School
Kelechukwu Ohia (Dr. Althea Elliott)
Ohia said his STAR Teacher, Dr. Althea Elliott, pushed him to strive for innovation and excellence and helped him develop an even greater love for science. Elliott said Ohia’s intellectual curiosity and steadfast determination set him apart. Ohia plans to attend Georgia State University and major in biochemistry with a goal of becoming a medical doctor.
Harvester Christian Academy
Nathanael Ginn (Meghan Williams)
Ginn said his STAR Teacher, Meghan Williams, creates an academic environment that not only focuses on rigor that has made him more intelligent but does it in a comforting space. Williams said she has taught Ginn since he was in seventh grade and that he’s very humble, grateful and helpful to his classmates. Ginn attributes being accepted to Georgia Tech to Williams and her guidance and said he plans to study public policy with the ultimate goal of being a criminal prosecutor and eventually a history teacher.
New Manchester High School
Elisha Ndunga (Andrew Mulkey)
Ndunga credited STAR Teacher, Andrew Mulkey, with helping build his confidence and academic rigor. Mulkey noted Ndunga’s transformation from the first class they had together, AP Seminar, until his senior year and how Ndunga made a deliberate choice to take ownership of his education. Ndunga plans to major in computer science at Georgia Tech.