Educational success requires influence behind the scene

Published 10:58 am Wednesday, February 21, 2018

The local community recognized three local high school students last week for outstanding academic achievements during the annual STAR student recognition.

Congratulations to this year’s county-wide winner, senior Tyler Gray of Georgia Military College Prep School. He and fellow honorees, Robert Pettigrew of Baldwin High School, and Cody Cox of John Milledge Academy, were each recognized as winners from their respective schools. 

Their academic achievements are certainly noteworthy, particularly when we stop to consider that all too often, we focus on what young people aren’t doing and where they fall short, sometimes overshadowing their successes. 

Each of the honorees recognized during the annual STAR program has compiled a string of high school accolades, including work in leadership roles and extracurricular activities. 

Each of this year’s honorees, as with every year represent their respective schools well, and they reflect positively on the education systems in Baldwin County.

Beyond the scholarship awards and accolades, however, these honorees also remind us of what can be, and the potential for success that all students possess if and when we invest in that potential.

And while every student has his or her on level of achievement and role and ambition they aspire to fulfill, these students remind us of what can be, and the potential for success that all students possess.

We mustn’t forget also that the STAR student recognition for these students likely would not have been possible without the guidance and support of family, parents, mentors and teachers, who have invested in their success and inspired them along the way, highlighting the need for mentors and role models for all children to emulate.

While all three honorees possess an inner-drive and personal desire to succeed as evidenced by their long list of extracurriculars and academic achievements, we know it also takes the guiding hands behind the scenes from parents, guardians, mentors and teachers to motivate young people attain their fullest potential. Community support and investment in education goes a long way as well.

Educators wear many hats in today’s classrooms, and the dedicated teachers such as those honored last week —Emily Boylan of GMC, Jessica Jones of JMA, and Ryan McCoy of BHS— as well as their peers— support, mold and challenge young minds in this manner every day. 

These three students serve as a reminder to all of us of the bright potential in Baldwin County’s future. But they should also serve to remind us of the work that yet lies before us — work to continue shape and mold every student and every child to dream big and reach far to succeed.

The sky’s the limit for these accomplished young people. May they continue to aim high and achieve their life’s goals.