STAR Student
Meredith Cossey has been named STAR Student for the 2024-2025 school year by the
Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program,
sponsor of the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program. This year will mark
the 60th Anniversary of the STAR program. Our diamond jubilee theme is: THE JOURNEY
BEGINS – 1965-2025! The purpose of the STAR program is to recognize outstanding students &
teachers in Mississippi through its Education Celebration.
The South Panola High School senior will be listed with the “Class of 2025” STAR Students and
STAR Teachers.
Star Students are selected based on academic excellence. Both American College Test scores
and scholastic averages are compared to determine the school’s STAR Student, explained Vickie
Powell of Jackson, Senior Vice President of Foundations. “The STAR program encourages and
promotes academic achievement among Mississippi’s high school seniors,” she said. Each STAR
Student is asked to designate a STAR Teacher, the teacher who has made the greatest
contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement.
Ms. Annah Bailey was designated as STAR Teacher.
Over 600 STAR Students and STAR Teachers will receive recognition at the Education
Celebration. The top 20 STAR Students –The ALL-STAR Scholars – will receive scholarships and
their STAR Teachers will receive awards provided by the Kelly Gene Cook, Sr. Charitable
Foundation. The highlight of the Education Celebration will be the naming of the Mississippi
ALL-STAR Scholar for 2024 – 2025 school year, winner of the coveted $24,000 Cook Foundation
Scholarship.