Dawson County High senior Allyson Orr didn’t set out to become her school’s STAR student. But after posting a 1930 on the SAT, that’s exactly what she accomplished.
“My motivation to do well was to get into the college of my choice, which was the University of Georgia,” Orr said.
As it turned out, she did both.
After graduation in May, Dawson’s STAR student plans to attend UGA, where she hopes to major in biochemistry and molecular biology before pursuing graduate studies.
The STAR student is presented annually by the school system and Dawsonville Lions Club to the senior who scores the highest on the SAT in one testing session.
As part of the award, which she said came as a surprise, Orr also got to choose the school’s Star Teacher of the Year.
She picked Arron Haynes, who teaches Advanced Placement biology and coaches the varsity girls’ track team.
“Ally is an amazing student and a great person,” Haynes said. “I feel blessed to be associated with her and I am honored that she chose me as her STAR teacher.”
Principal Wayne Chelf said the STAR teacher is someone the student feels has had the most influence on him or her during their school career.
“I chose Coach Haynes because in the classroom he is an amazing teacher and is truly fun to learn from,” Orr said.
“When he is teaching, you can tell he enjoys his job and loves teaching biology, and he is constantly motivating students to do their best.”
Orr is involved in many campus activities. She is treasurer of the Student Government Association and president of the National Honors Society. She also serves as a peer leader and is a member of the track team, Y-Club and Beta Club.
“My school activities keep me pretty busy,” she said. “But when I am not doing work with clubs or track, I am usually spending time with my family and friends.”
On March 19, Orr and Haynes will represent Dawson County at the regional STAR banquet in Jasper.
The banquet will feature students from 12 other schools in the area. One will advance to represent the region at the state STAR banquet.
“Ally is a great student and a wonderful person,” Chelf said. “We are very proud of her and know that she will represent us well.”
E-mail Elizabeth Hamilton at elizabeth@dawsonnews.com.