Ryan and Jacobson named STAR Students

Brookwood School seniors Anna Ryan and Libby Jacobson have been named the school’s 2023
STAR Students. Ryan selected Mr. Adam Slaton as her STAR Teacher, and Jacobson’s STAR Teacher is Mr. Keith Massey.

The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) is sponsored, administered and promoted by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE). High school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average to qualify for STAR nomination.

STAR begins each year in participating Georgia high schools when the STAR Student is named and chooses a STAR Teacher to share in this recognition. The students and their teachers are honored by their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from one of the more than 165 statewide civic organizations and businesses that serve as local sponsors of the STAR program. Students then compete for school system recognition as the top STAR Student, and those winners compete for region honors. Region winners contend for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student. STAR Teachers continue on with their STAR Students at every level of the program.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators honors outstanding students and educators and encourages academic excellence through competitive academic initiatives such as PAGE STAR, the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades and the PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon.

Ryan and Jacobson earned their recognition for academic achievement and performance on the SAT.

Ryan, daughter of Drs. Amy and Neil Ryan, is proud of her recognition. She has attended Brookwood since Junior Kindergarten. A National Honor Society officer, member of the Spanish Honor Society, Interact Club vice president, and member of the varsity track and field team, Anna notes her gratitude for STAR Teacher, Slaton, and his expectation for perfection.

“Mr. Slaton is an outstanding, personable teacher with an immense knowledge on biology, and his expectation of perfection really pushed me as a student to always give my all to every single assignment,” Ryan says.

Jacobson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eric and Stephanie Jacobson, began her academic career at Brookwood as a sophomore. She is a multisport student athlete, earning All-Region softball honors and a first place title in State powerlifting. Additionally, Jacobson demonstrates excellence as a leader on the basketball, tennis, and track and field teams. Jacobson exhibits merit in all aspects; she attended Terry College of Business’ highly selective, pre-collegiate Accelerated Business Program at the University of Georgia last summer, is an active member of American Coaster Enthusiasts, and is a member of both the Spanish Honor Society and National Honor Society at the school.

Jacobson accredits much of her success to Massey; “I’ve been fortunate to have been taught by Mr. Massey for all three of my years at Brookwood.”

“His knowledge of the material is unmatched and he teaches in a way that focuses on maximizing his students’ understanding. Mr. Massey makes class enjoyable and his unique memorization strategies have helped me to retain the mathematical content and have translated into success in other classes as well. I will take those lessons with me even after my time at Brookwood,” says Jacobson.

“I have enjoyed watching Libby grow through the years that I have taught her. She began her career at Brookwood in the 10th grade. She was quiet and reserved in the beginning but as time went by, she developed into an outgoing and involved student. One of Libby's greatest gifts is tenacity. If she has difficulty understanding a concept in class or a skill in an athletic endeavor, she will not quit until she masters it. Libby also enjoys helping others in the classroom and on her sports teams,” says STAR Teacher, Keith Massey.
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Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.