CHATSWORTH — During the Murray County Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting on Thursday, Jan. 25, chamber President Barry Gentry informed guests that it was “time to recognize our future workforce.”
“Because if we don’t, then we’re going to miss out,” Gentry said. “And Murray’s not going to miss out.”
Part of that recognition came in the form of an awards ceremony for a pair of students and teachers from Murray County High School and North Murray High School.
For the 2023-24 school year, senior Kristin Cross and agriculture teacher Katie Davis were recognized as Murray County High’s STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) student and teacher, while senior Charles Pannell and social studies teacher Jeffrey Samples were North Murray High’s honorees.
“We’re applauding some superstar students today,” said Gentry.
The STAR program of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators honors high-performing high school seniors and the teachers who have been the most influential in each student’s educational career.
Murray County High School Principal Andrea Morrow and North Murray High School Principal Donna Eskut introduced the honorees.
“We are very excited to be here and I’m honored to talk a little bit about Kristin,” Morrow said. “In this program, students take their SATs and the student who has the highest SAT score throughout the school is the STAR student. That’s quite an achievement because I’m sure all of you remember that test, and it’s not an easy one.”
Morrow said she asked teachers throughout Murray County High about Cross’ influence at school, “and they all had positive things to say about her.”
“But I thought this one summed it up really well,” Morrow continued. “And it simply says, ‘Kristin is kind and encouraging to her peers; she is warm and quick to smile when she hears something funny or witty. She is always thorough in completing tasks and assignments, and although she is often the leader in group activities, she never seeks recognition. She’s a team player.’”
Morrow said one thing every teacher mentioned about Cross is her intellectual curiosity.
“She not only wants to learn, but she wants to know the ‘how’ and ‘why,’” Morrow said. “She doesn’t just work to get grades and I think that’s so special for all of her teachers to have that in common. I am honored to say that (Cross is) Murray County High School’s STAR student and proud to have (her) as a student at Murray County High School.”
Davis was chosen by Cross as the STAR teacher. Davis introduced Cross to the school’s Future Farmers of America program.
“I’ve worked with Dr. Davis for many years and the one thing I can say is that she works extremely hard and our FFA pathway is one of the most successful in our school and one of the most requested,” Morrow said. “Without a doubt, I can say Dr. Davis is a large part of that. She has a big heart and she cares about her students, not only while they’re in high school, but once they graduate as well.”
Eskut introduced Pannell.
“In talking with his teachers about him, the words that came up (the most) were hard-worker,” Eskut said. “How I’ve gotten to know Charles more than anything else was through his running.”
A dedicated track and cross country runner for North Murray, Pannell also serves on the school’s student council while taking dual enrollment courses at Dalton State College.
“The first time he was running on our track, I believe I sent the (school resource officer) after him to find out why he was running on campus,” Eskut said with a laugh. “He is a good track runner.”
Eskut said one of the things Pannell has been involved with recently is his time at Chatsworth Elementary School as part of his Eagle Scout project. Pannell was able to raise enough money to build five new activity stations at the school, including monkey bars, sit-up stations, pull-up bars, a set of climbing ropes and a rope wall and balance beam course.
“He’s just a very involved, positive kid,” Eskut said. “Anybody who knows him, knows that about him.”
Pannell spoke about his STAR teacher, Samples, who was not able to attend.
“I was in some of his dual enrollment classes,” Pannell said. “He taught history at North Murray and he’s probably one of the most passionate teachers I know. I remember he would come dressed up in all of these different uniforms and tell stories in his rocking chair. I’ve never been more engaged to learn in a class than his.”
Pannell said Samples created a great environment in his classroom and he “really challenges his students.”
“He also does student council with our school as well,” Pannell said. “We just had a wonderful community Christmas event where we bought Christmas toys for kids who couldn’t necessarily afford (them), and he was a big part in raising the money for that. He definitely deserves this award and I really appreciate him as a teacher. He’s a wonderful guy.”
Cross said being honored as Murray County High’s STAR student is “very special.”
“I have (so many) supportive teachers that have been celebrating with me and it’s just a really good opportunity,” she said.
On why she chose Davis as her STAR teacher, Cross said it was simple.
“Dr. Davis is one of those teachers that goes above and beyond the classroom for her students,” she said. “She’ll support you in any way you need, she’ll get you opportunities, and she just truly cares.”