By Samantha Laratta
Community members gathered Thursday, Feb. 12, for the annual Evening with the STARs Banquet at the Union County Community Center, a night dedicated to celebrating academic excellence and the teachers who help make it possible.
The STAR program, that is, Student Teacher Achievement Recognition, is tied to top performance on the SAT and honors outstanding high school seniors and educators who have played a key role in their success.
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Since its creation in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the program has recognized more than 30,000 students across the state. Hosted by the Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce, this year’s banquet was presented by Blue Ridge Mountain EMC.
After a dinner provided by LongHorn Steakhouse, Chamber President Steve Rowe welcomed guests and recognized local sponsors and officials, including Blairsville Mayor Buddy Moore.
SouthState Bank made a check presentation of $2,000 in scholarship funds to the Union County School System, earmarked for a student or students experiencing financial hardship.
Allan Glidewell, General Manager of Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, delivered an encouraging message focused on learning rather than simply intelligence. He noted that while intelligence can be difficult to measure, the true value of education lies in learning how to learn.
Glidewell urged students and adults alike to remain lifelong learners, continually seeking growth in whatever paths they pursue.
CT Hussion, Director of Teaching and Learning for Union County Schools, presented several Chamber-created STAR awards honoring student achievement and community impact, including North Star Award: Bo Brown; Woody Gap Shining Star Award: Bryan Marsh; Community Service Star Award: Caleb Sheffield; All Star Panther Award: Lola Hunter; and Alumni Pacesetter Award: Abhyjit Kheepal.
Before announcing the STAR honorees, Hussion remarked, “What we’ve recognized tonight is impact, and we’re about to turn to excellence, academic-wise.”
The evening concluded with the recognition of the 2026 Union County High School STAR Student, Savannah Love, and her chosen STAR Teacher, Mrs. Dixie Conger.
Love plans to attend a four-year university, majoring in biochemistry on a pre-med track, with the goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. Early in her remarks, Love honored a fellow student who passed away unexpectedly the previous week, reminding those in attendance of the importance of compassion and reaching out for help during difficult times.
In describing her teacher, Love said Mrs. Conger creates “an environment of excitement about learning” and treats everyone with kindness and patience.
Love also used the speaking opportunity to encourage her peers to strive while remembering to stay true to themselves, adding with a smile, “Work hard, give it your all, and go home and get Waffle House with your dad.”
Mrs. Conger shared a handwritten note that Love once left in her school mailbox during sophomore year, which she keeps posted in her classroom for inspiration. She praised Love’s intellect, curiosity and compassion, calling her a student who not only excels academically but also stands up for others.
“It’s a true testament to character to be able to witness such compassion in a mature young lady,” Conger said. “I’ve seen her on numerous occasions confidently stand up for those that don’t have the courage to do it for themselves.”
Love also received gifts from River City Bank and United Community in recognition of her academic achievements and community service. Surrounded by her family, teachers, and classmates, the evening closed as a meaningful celebration of both excellence and character – values that continue to shine brightly at Union County Schools.
