Oconee County Schools has announced its STAR Students and Teachers for 2020 – from Oconee County High School: STAR Student David Burke and STAR Teacher Jake Forrester; from North Oconee High School: STAR Student Jun Ho "David" Han and STAR Teacher Richard Rosch.

“Congratulations to this year’s STAR Students and STAR Teachers for their well-deserved recognitions,” said Superintendent Jason L. Branch. “These individuals have demonstrated sustained excellence through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I would also like to commend the students’ K-12 teachers and their parents for all their support in helping these incredible students reach this level of academic success.”

The honorees are below:

David Burke, a senior at Oconee County High School, is the son of Mindy and John Burke. He plans to attend the University of Georgia in the fall and double major in biology and Spanish. He is captain of the school’s soccer team, a black belt in taekwondo, and serves on the school’s robotics and environmental clubs. David is a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club.

He selected Jake Forrester as his STAR Teacher. Mr. Forrester teaches Algebra II and Advanced Placement Calculus at Oconee County High School. He is also the assistant JV/varsity cross country coach and the assistant varsity baseball coach. He was the 2017 Oconee County High School Teacher of the Year and the STAR Teacher in 2017, 2018, and 2019, in addition to this year. He said, “David is an extremely kind and mature student who has a high level of mental fortitude. He elevates every area of the classroom by constantly bringing positivity and enthusiasm each and every day.”

Jun Ho "David" Han, a senior at North Oconee High School, is the son of Sarah and Yongseung Han. He plans to attend the University of Georgia this fall and major in economics, with a minor in public health. David is a National AP Scholar, president of North Oconee Teen Republicans, secretary of the Beta Club, and a percussionist with Athens Youth Symphony. He is a second degree black belt in taekwondo and also plays piano.

He selected Richard Rosch as his STAR Teacher. Mr. Rosch teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History at North Oconee High School. He is the department head, as well as co-sponsor of the school’s Beta Club. He was the 2013 North Oconee High School Teacher of the Year and the STAR Teacher in 2003 and 2009, in addition to this year. He said, “David is truly an exceptional student. Capable of clever historical insights and remarkable content mastery, he's also a kind soul and active member of his community.”

To be honored as a STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) Student, the following criteria must be met:

SAT scores must meet the national averages or above. The students who receive the award have the highest SAT scores in all three sections – critical reading, math, and writing. 

Class standing must be noted. The student must be in the top 10% or among the top 10 students numerically, whichever category provides the largest number of eligible students in his or her graduating senior class. 

The student that has been declared the STAR Student chooses the STAR Teacher.