Benjamin L. Shelton has been named Union High School’s STAR Student for the 2024-2025 school year by the Mississippi Economic Council Student Teacher Achievement Program. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the STAR program. The purpose of the STAR program is to recognize outstanding students and teachers through its Education Celebration.
STAR Students are selected based on academic excellence. Both American College Test (ACT) scores and scholastic averages are compared to determine the school’s STAR Student, explained Vicki Powell of Jackson, Senior Vice President of Foundations. Each STAR Student is asked to designate a STAR Teacher, the teacher who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement.
Ben is the son of Chris and Tracey Shelton. Ben is a Superintendent’s List Scholar, has received the US History subject area award, and was elected as “Most Likely to Succeed” by his peers at UHS. He plans to attend East Central Community College in the fall.
He has selected his English teacher, Mrs. Mandy Sessums Feasel, as his STAR Teacher. Mrs. Feasel has been selected UHS’s STAR teacher twelve previous times. She is married to Jamie Feasel, and they have two children: Rowan and Jude.
Over 600 STAR Students and STAR Teachers will receive recognition at the Education Celebration. The top 20 STAR Students –The ALL-STAR Scholars – will receive scholarships and their STAR Teachers will receive awards provided by the Kelly Gene Cook, Sr. Charitable Foundation. The highlight of the Education Celebration will be the naming of the Mississippi ALL-STAR Scholar for 2024 – 2025 school year, winner of the coveted $24,000 Cook Foundation Scholarship.
