STAR Banquet

Some of Walton County’s top students were honored Tuesday night at the 64th annual STAR Banquet.

Hosted by the Walton County Chamber of Commerce at Grace Monroe, the long-running event saw the senior with the highest SAT score at each of seven high schools in Walton County recognized as STAR Students, along with each student’s STAR Teacher, selected for their impact on the student’s life.

Raymond Ngo of Loganville High School was the first to take the stage and he spoke highly of his chosen STAR Teacher, AP language instructor Tonya Pohlel.

“Before, I never saw myself as a capable writer,” Ngo said. “She gave us the freedom to express ideas and gave us meaningful advice. She’s extremely considerate.”

Pohlel said Ngo was a true prodigy in many ways.

“Raymond is the very first student to take my class as a 10th grader,” she said. “I would forget he was an underclassman. He was so mature, thoughtful and witty. He embraced each discussion in class.”

From Monroe Area High School, Delilah Kirby was chosen as the STAR Student and she selected her art teacher, Brandon Pruett, as her STAR Teacher.

“I did not initially think of an art teacher as a STAR Teacher,” Kirby said. “But my counselor said it should be someone who impacted my life personally and no teacher has impacted me to the degree Mr. Pruett has.

“I’m a perfectionist. I stress about everything. He helped teach me I did not have to worry about everything in life. I do not have to be perfect because perfect does not exist.”

Pruett said he was astonished at Kirby’s talent and drive.

“Her work was phenomenal,” he said. “Not only was she good at art, she was good at everything. She will do great things in the future. I’m really honored to be chosen as her STAR Teacher.”

Bella Rose Delullo, of Walnut Grove High School, had great things to say of her biology teacher, Ashley Callahan. Although Delullo was absent to play as the center of the Warriors girls basketball team, her principal, Lindsey Allen, read her comments on Callahan.

“While I’ve had fantastic teachers and coaches, Ms. Callahan stands out. I believed I just wasn’t good at science but she was so passionate about what she taught. She encouraged me to be my best.”

Callahan said Delullo’s absence was further proof of her dedication to doing her utmost for everyone around her.

“She champions her classmates and encourages others,” Callahan said. “I am in awe of the person she’s become.”

George Walton Academy’s STAR Student was McFarland Geoffroy, who chose his physics and calculus teacher, Kellie Watts, as his STAR Teacher.

“This was a very tough choice for me,” he said. “But out of all my teachers, there was no one else like Ms. Watts. She’s the best.”

Watts said her student pushed her as much as she pushed him.

“I’ve had the pleasure of teaching him for five years,” Watts said. “It’s made me a better teacher. He is a shining light on campus, a breath of fresh air.”

At Loganville Christian Academy, Noah Alan Braue was the STAR Student, and he had high praise for his math teacher, James Schaffer.

“Mr. Schaffer’s humor and energy make him a better teacher,” Braue said.

Schaffer said Braue was truly a top student.

“Noah’s default state is simply to be excellent at stuff,” he said. “Thank you, Noah, for letting me teach someone who’s smarter than I am.”

Harley Bass, of Social Circle High School, said his teacher, AP biology teacher Brad Callahan, was special to him.

“He’s always helping you out,” Bass said. “He’s always been there for me and pushed me beyond what I thought I could do.”

Bass also said Callahan was the only teacher who could get him to do the unthinkable and wear an Auburn Tigers jersey after losing a bet of who would win a college basketball game between Auburn and Bass’ North Carolina.

“I would only do that for Mr. Callahan,” he said.

Callahan said Bass, and all the STAR Students in the building, were why he and his fellow teachers do what they do.

“They’re the curve-busters,” Callahan said. “It’s truly a blessing to have them.”

He said Harley was special for being one of the only students he didn’t have to recruit to join AP biology just for the college credit.

“He loved the content as much as I did,” he said, saying Bass hoped to take that knowledge into the medical field. “He is passionate about changing lives.”

Finally, from Victory Baptist School, Connor Shelton picked Victor Huff as his STAR Teacher, selecting him for one simple reason

“He has the most fun class,” Shelton said. “When I tried to think who should be my STAR Teacher, I thought he’d the most fun to hang with for a night.”

Shelton said Huff also taught him a lot in both Bible and computer classes.

“He’s a great teacher,” he said. “You feel you’re a better person when you walk out.”

Huff said Shelton had grown a lot since he’d known him.

“He’s been diligent for many years and progressed mightily,” Huff said. “I’m proud of you, Connor. Keep pushing, keep growing and keep rising to the top.”

After each student was recognized, the event also honored the overall STAR Student for the county, the student with the highest score among all the winners. Ngo was announced as the system area winner, which surprised his teacher not at all.

“He’s so intellectually curious,” Pohlel said.