Colquitt County High School is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program. In a testament to the exceptional caliber of this year's graduating class, Emily Bius and Willis McCranie have been named 2026 Co-STAR Students. The announcement was made during a recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Moultrie, which has served as the program's gracious annual host for many years.
Each STAR Student selects a STAR Teacher—the educator who has been most instrumental in their academic development. Emily Bius has chosen Ted Wear, and Willis McCranie has selected Vance Hurst.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
Since its inception in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the STAR program has recognized more than 30,000 of the state's highest-achieving seniors. Now administered by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, the program remains the preeminent academic recognition for Georgia's accredited high schools. STAR Students are selected based on being in the top 10% of their class with the highest SAT scores. Emily and Willis tied with an SAT score of 1400.
Emily Bius & Ted Wear
Emily Bius maintains a 4.0+ GPA while taking a rigorous course load that includes both Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses. Beyond the classroom, Emily is a leader in the A Cappella Choir, the Key Club, and the upcoming production of Mamma Mia!, all while maintaining a part-time job.
"Being a STAR Student means I have excelled at what I was presented with," Emily shared. "Having good test scores does not mean I am the absolute best student, but it reflects a strong work ethic and a dedication to the time required of me. That is what matters in the long run."
Emily selected Ted Wear as her STAR Teacher, noting that his AP Psychology course—her first AP experience—was both engaging and fun. It inspired her to pursue a degree in Sociology at the University of Georgia, followed by law school.
"I enjoyed having Emily in my class a great deal," said Mr. Wear. "She is one of the brightest, hardest-working, and most focused students I have ever had the pleasure to teach. I have no doubt she will continue to grow and do amazing things."
Willis McCranie & Vance Hurst
Willis McCranie also holds a 4.0+ GPA while balancing a heavy course load of AP and DE courses. Willis is a true scholar-athlete, participating in Robotics, Cross Country, and Tennis, as well as shooting trap and skeet with Bridge Creek Clays.
Willis selected Vance Hurst, who taught three of his AP classes, including AP Physics II. "I was completely lost and struggling, but his instructional style and sense of humor made the class actually enjoyable despite the rigor," Willis noted. He plans to study Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech this fall.
Mr. Hurst, who is receiving his fourth STAR Teacher recognition, expressed his pride, "Willis is one of the brightest young men I have had the opportunity to work with. Watching him excel in the classroom and lead our Robotics Team has been a privilege. Being chosen as a STAR Teacher is one of the biggest honors I can receive because it is chosen entirely by the students."
Looking Ahead
As local winners, Emily and Willis will represent Colquitt County at the Region STAR Banquet. Regional winners will then advance to the state-level competition held later this year.
The Colquitt County School District congratulates these outstanding students and the educators who have guided them toward this prestigious milestone.