The Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition Program (STAR) allows schools to recognize high-achieving teachers and students in Mississippi.

The Star Student chosen for the Porter’s Chapel Academy graduating class of 2025 is Valedictorian Marley Bufkin. The Star Teacher, chosen by Bufkin, is Austin Crabtree.

Crabtree spoke to the Post about what makes Bufkin a Star Student.

“Marley is an outstanding student and athlete. She has left an indelible mark on Porter’s Chapel Academy. Her commitment to her schoolwork, her faith, and her extra-curricular activities set her apart from many students I have had the privilege to teach,” he said. “There is no mountain too high for Marley, and I am excited to see where God leads her. She will represent Porter’s Chapel and the Vicksburg community well in the fall at Mississippi State University.”

Bufkin told the Post why she chose Crabtree as her Star Teacher.

“He goes above and beyond for his students and our school every single day,” she said. “He is passionate about teaching and it shows in the way he supports and encourages us to do our best.”

In the fall, Bufkin will be attending Mississippi State University and will major in biological sciences.

Crabtree said he is looking forward to seeing the accomplishments of the graduating class.

“The Class of 2025 will forever be remembered as an outstanding class. Their commitment to school pride and academic endeavors has been nothing short of remarkable,” he said. “I look forward to watching them continue to grow, and I expect great things from them in the future.”

The STAR Student program seeks to recognize students for academic and ACT test achievement. Students are awarded a certificate and medallion as recognition upon becoming a STAR student.

To be eligible for the STAR Student honor, a student may be a regularly enrolled senior or an approved dually enrolled student in an accredited public or private high school and or an accredited post-secondary institution. The student must be completing his or her last year of work and must be eligible to receive a diploma in the current school year. The student must have an overall ACT composite score of at least 25 and an overall average of 93 or above in selected subjects in the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and first-semester twelfth grades.

The STAR Student program is sponsored by the Mississippi Economic Council.