Natalie Sterrett, a senior at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School has been named a STAR student by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Foundation. Sterrett, in turn, selected English teacher Holly Chesser as her STAR Teacher.

To obtain a STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the three-part SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.

Sterrett is an outstanding student and accomplished horsewoman who devotes much of her free time to working with animals. She serves as co-captain of the Holy Innocents’ Equestrian Club, participates with her own horse in events outside of school, and rides as an ambassador for Just World International—an organization that raises money for children in Third World countries. Sterrett is also a kennel attendant at Vernon Woods Animal Hospital.

She is the daughter of Carol Fromhagen of Atlanta and Noel Sterrett of Hanahan, S.C.

“I am thrilled to be a STAR student, but I am even more thrilled to be able togive someone else the acclaim that they deserve,” said Sterrett, referring to teacher Holly Chesser. “Good students are rewarded for their efforts. However, great teachers are rarely recognized for their success.

“I am blessed to have learned from a person as wonderful as Mrs. Chesser. And I am grateful that I have the opportunity to show her how much I appreciate everything she's done for me.”

Chesser holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Virginia and a master’s in Gifted Education from the University of Connecticut.

“Every teacher encounters a handful of students she will carry in her pocket throughout the rest of her career,” Chesser said. “Natalie is one of those students for me.  

“She is talented, unique, but, most admirably, humble. She was far more excited about honoring me than in being honored.”

This year’s STAR announcement was made by Michael Davis, President of the Midtown Atlanta Rotary Club and local sponsor of the Fulton County STAR program. Midtown Rotary has been recognizing STAR Students and Teachers from PAGE’s Region 3A for many years, Davis said.

STAR students and their teachers are honored by their schools and receive special recognition in their communities from more than 165 statewide civic organizations and businesses that serve as local sponsors of the STAR program. Students then compete for school system titles, and thosewinners compete for region honors. Regional winners compete for the honor of being named State PAGE STAR Student.