Senf and Bailey Awarded STAR Student and Teacher

Senior Will Senf was named a 2023 STAR Student, an academic achievement honor given by the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) M.B. Swayze Foundation, sponsor of the Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition Program (STAR). 

Established in 1965, the STAR program recognizes outstanding students and teachers in Mississippi. Both ACT scores and scholastic averages are compared to determine a school’s STAR Student. 

“It is exciting and slightly surprising to be named STAR Student for the year,” said Will. While he is undecided on his college choice, he plans to study biological sciences on a pre-medicine track.

Six hundred STAR students across Mississippi will be recognized during a luncheon in Pearl, MS, on April 13. Each STAR Student will receive a medallion, lapel pin and a certificate of achievement. The top three students will receive scholarships from The Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation, Inc. 

Each STAR Student is asked to designate a STAR Teacher—the teacher who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement. Will chose Mrs. Susan Bailey, an English teacher at CHS. 

Their respect and appreciation for each other is mutual. “Will is such a fun addition to my classroom because, aside from being a great student, he is a great performer. He can bring Shakespeare to life like no other student I’ve taught, and he can read a poem with perfect diction and emotion. He is also a true out-of-the-box thinker, offering valuable insight to every class discussion,” said Mrs. Bailey. “Will is a natural leader who never hesitates to help a classmate with a difficult concept or missing notes. He loves a challenge and seems to really see the value of learning about literature and its history.”

According to Will, “I chose Mrs. Bailey because her class is a great environment for ardent students to have meaningful academic discussions and work at their own pace without overbearing supervision.”

During his time at CHS, Will received the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma with merit. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the Corinth High School (CHS) Academic Team and the All A Honor Roll. As a member of the CHS Band, he went to the Mid-South Honor Band and NEMBDA honor band for bassoon. “My favorite part of my time at CHS was when my friends and I made an overly elaborate video for a school project that ended up being the length of a standard television episode and featured an ensemble cast of six people,” said Will. “It was filled to the brim with solid bits and effective film techniques.”

Additionally, Will has performed in over 30 stage productions at Corinth Theatre-Arts. He has also earned 71 merit badges in Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of eagle scout. Recently chosen as a Corinth Rotary Club Student of the Month, Will volunteers for several civic organizations.

Congratulations, Will and Mrs. Bailey on being named 2023 STAR Student and Teacher!