Ceremony honors Star Teachers and Star Students in the Class of 2025

The Star Teacher-Student Awards ceremony for the Class of 2025 was held on Thursday evening, April 10 at the Gaston Early College High School.  The recognition program was presented by Gaston County Schools and sponsored by GSM Services.

Each high school had the opportunity to choose an outstanding senior in the Class of 2025 as the school’s Star Student.  During the ceremony, the Star Student honored the Star Teacher who had a significant influence on the student’s educational career.

Below are the Star Teacher-Student Awards honorees:

Ashbrook High School
Star Teacher Aundrea Narron selected by Star Student Jamila Lewis

Star Student Jamila Lewis was inspired to pursue a career as a geneticist, thanks to the love for biology instilled in her by her Star Teacher, Aundrea Narron. Although Narron has retired from teaching, Lewis says Narron’s influence still weighs on her.  “She became one of my greatest supporters throughout my high school journey. She has been there for me in every situation, whether it was related to school or if I simply needed someone to talk to. I am proud to say that I have had the privilege of not only having her as a teacher, but someone I can look up to,” added Lewis.

Lewis is the daughter of James and Ursula Lewis. She has been accepted to attend Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C., to play volleyball and major in biology. 

Bessemer City High School 
Star Teacher Alyssa Gaines selected by Star Student Kaytelin Justice

There is one lesson that Star Student Kaytelin Justice has learned from her Star Teacher, Alyssa Gaines – take advantage of every opportunity.  As the chorus teacher, Gaines supports her students in their efforts to venture out, take risks, and grow confidently as singers and individuals. Justice says, “Ms. Gaines provides more opportunities than any teacher I’ve ever had. Instead of letting obstacles hold us back, she actively finds ways to help us participate in experiences that will make us better. Without her support, I would have missed out on chances to grow and learn.”

Justice is the daughter of Jerry and Dannielle Justice. She plans to attend Western Carolina University as an honors student, double majoring in environmental studies and natural resource conservation and management. She aspires to pursue a career in conservation.

Cherryville High School 
Star Teacher Layn Treadway selected by Star Student Alexis McSwain

“All I can do is my best, and the rest will fall into place.”  That is a piece of advice coming from Star Teacher Layn Treadway, and it is something Star Student Alexis McSwain says she will never forget. In addition to making chemistry fun with interactive lessons, McSwain adds that Mrs. Treadway with her contagious personality is “always energetic and encouraging, pushing us to do our best while ensuring we never feel defeated. Her enthusiasm made even the most challenging topics manageable, and her constant support gave me the confidence to believe in myself.”

McSwain is the daughter of Michael and Michelle McSwain. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to major in biology and hopes to become a pediatrician.

Stuart W. Cramer High School 
Star Teacher Terrence Grealis selected by Star Student Olivia Michael

When you are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) math classes, you should expect to be treated like a college student – it’s an approach that Star Student Olivia Michael appreciates about her Star Teacher Terrence Grealis. “You always know he believes in you. He doesn’t need to say it outright; it’s in the way he teaches, the way he pushes his students, and the way he interacts with us,” explained Michael.  “I’m lucky to have had him as a teacher, and I know I’ll always remember what I learned, both about math and about how to think in a way I never had before.”

Michael is the daughter of Allen and Marsha Michael. She will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and major in biology. She plans on becoming a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor.

East Gaston High School  
Star Teacher Stephen Abernethy selected by Star Student Chandler Burleson

One day, Star Teacher Stephen Abernethy just may be able to refer to Star Student Chandler Burleson as a colleague.  Burleson plans to become a teacher, and she said that being in Burleson’s chemistry classes helped her shape a vision of how she wants to teach.  Burleson explains: “I hope to create a classroom environment that mirrors the one built by one of my greatest inspirations, Mr. Abernethy. Chemistry and I never really got along, but sometimes, it’s not about what you’re learning, it’s about who’s teaching you, and luckily, I had Mr. Abernethy.”

Burleson is the daughter of Amber Bollinger and the granddaughter of Pam Burleson.  She plans to attend North Carolina State University to major in secondary education. Her goal is to teach science in Gaston County Schools.

Forestview High School 
Star Teacher Chris McKay selected by Star Student Lilly Friday

When Star Student Lilly Friday signed up to take Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History, she had an idea of what it would be like.  Her brother had Star Teacher Chris McKay three years earlier, advising “It’s a hard class, but he’s a good teacher.”  Friday admits that she may not remember every history-related detail taught in the class, but she will remember McKay’s influence as a teacher, leader, and role model.  “It is the joy that Mr. McKay brings to history that made me realize how much I loved learning the stories of the past and why I want to continue doing that in college,” said the aspiring teacher.

Friday’s parents are Dana and Todd Friday. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to major in English and comparative literature and minor in history. She hopes to become a high school English or history teacher.

Gaston Virtual Academy 
Star Teacher Christine Shifflett selected by Star Student Kaitlyn Spangler

Learning in a virtual format can be challenging and isolating, especially when the subject is math, but not for Star Student Kaitlyn Spangler. She credits her success as a virtual learner to her Star Teacher Christine Shifflett, who she always knew was one e-mail or Zoom meeting away.  “Her teaching style really helped me learn the material, and I learned how to take good notes. I used her method of note-taking in my other classes, and it really helped me considering I am a double deficit dyslexic student,” shared Spangler. “I will continue to be successful in college, thanks to her.”

Spangler is the daughter of Sherry Spangler. She plans to attend Auburn University to major in culinary sciences and plans to become an executive chef. 

Gaston Early College High School 
Star Teacher Megan Hibberts selected by Star Student Moriah Wallace

Star Student Moriah Wallace points out that she’s had a lot of great teachers, but it is Megan Hibberts who stands out as a Star Teacher.  No matter the class or subject, whether it is economics and personal finance or current events, Wallace admires Hibberts for being authentic and bringing energy and passion to everything she teaches.  However, it is the lessons that contribute to living a good life that are the most memorable of all. “She has taught us that (despite our differences) we should always treat others with respect and dignity,” recalls Wallace.

Wallace is the daughter of Melolea and Brian Wallace. She plans to attend Gardner-Webb University or Lenoir-Rhyne University to major in biology and hopes to pursue a career as a microbiologist after pursuing her Ph.D. 

Gaston Early College High School of Medical Sciences
Star Teacher Tommy Ramkissoon selected by Star Student Samuel Williams

Sitting through history class was never thought of as a fun experience for Star Student Samuel Williams, but that changed when he met his Star Teacher Tommy Ramkissoon.  Mr. Ram, as he is known to his students, brought history to life through creative projects, simulations, and just being a great teacher. “Mr. Ram seems to have this special ability where he can easily detect when a student is down or struggling,” explained Williams. “To me, this is what makes a Star Teacher – one that cares about the quality of work you produce in class as well as your comfort and welfare.”

Williams’ parents are Thomas and Patience Williams. He plans to attend North Carolina State University and earn a degree in pre-medicine. His goal is to become a physician. 

Highland School of Technology 
Star Teacher Angela Garner selected by Star Student Regis Lu

Finding inspiration in high school for his future career is exactly what happened to Star Student Regis Lu. The inspiration came from his Star Teacher Angela Garner and her dental science program. “Beyond her warmth and encouragement, Mrs. Garner is an incredible educator,” said Lu. “She teaches with passion and clarity, making complex topics both engaging and understandable. But, what truly sets her apart is how much she cares about each one of us – not just as students, but as individuals. She does everything that she can to prepare us for the future.”

Lu’s parents are Lien Lu and Shou Wu. He will attend a four-year university where he will major in pre-dentistry. He plans to become an orthodontist and open his own orthodontic practice.

Hunter Huss High School 
Star Teacher Sara Dodson selected by Star Student Kelsey Griffin

Because of her Star Teacher Sara Dodson, Star Student Kelsey Griffin knows that she is graduating from high school with both knowledge and confidence.  What Griffin has to say about Dodson sums up exactly what it means to be a Star Teacher: “From the start, you believed in me, even when I struggled to see my own potential. You pushed me to give my best, supported me through challenges, and gave me the confidence to pursue my goals. Thanks to your guidance, I grew both academically and personally, gaining skills that will serve me beyond the classroom.”

Griffin is the daughter of Shavon Griffin. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill or Duke University and major in nursing. Her goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

North Gaston High School 
Star Teacher Anna Slentz selected by Star Student Sebastian Hoyos

When Star Student Sebastian Hoyos’ family moved to Gaston County at age 11, he worried about finding people who would help him succeed along the way.  He discovered one of those people in his Star Teacher Anna Slentz, who inspired his interest in the nursing profession by encouraging him to join the nursing fundamentals program. “Her work ethic, fueled by passion, sets an example I will always look up to,” said Hoyos. He believes she makes a difference through her charismatic personality, her ability to explain topics in unique ways, and focusing on the bright side of things.

Hoyos is the son of John Hoyos and Liliana Garcia. He will attend Gaston College to major in nursing. He plans to pursue a career as a registered nurse. 

South Point High School 
Star Teacher David Grimes selected by Star Student Charlie Price

Good teachers know how to teach; great teachers know how to connect. That’s how Star Student Charlie Price describes his Star Teacher, David Grimes. The connection is about more than seeing students sitting at desks; it is about seeing young people with dreams and stories. Price explains, “Mr. Grimes has taught me not only how to succeed in academics, but how to approach life with passion, with positivity, with humor, and with a commitment to building meaningful connections. He has been my biggest supporter, believing in my dreams, even when I doubted myself.”

Price’s parents are Jason and Megan Price. He plans to attend the University of South Carolina Honors College and major in pre-medicine biology.

Webb Street School 
Star Teacher Mary Ann Bridges selected by Star Student Christian Riggins

Kindness goes a long way both inside and outside the classroom. That’s one of the reasons why Star Student Christian Riggins chose Mary Ann Bridges as his Star Teacher. In addition to always being kind and caring, Bridges encourages Riggins to be his best at everything he does, and she has worked with him to ensure he is prepared to be successful in life. Riggins explained, “Mrs. Bridges is a good teacher. She makes me feel better when I am upset or mad, and she understands me. She always wants me to do my best. I think she is a Star Teacher because she is kind and loves her students.”

Riggins is the son of Latoya Robinson. After graduation, Riggins will obtain employment at Morningside Assisted Living in Gastonia and work as an assistant for residents.