Each year, the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia's highest-achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. Created by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the STAR program requires nominated seniors to have the highest SAT score on any single test date through the November test date of their senior year and be in the top 10% (or top 10 students) of their class by GPA, with SAT scores equal to or above the national average in Evidence-Based Reading, Writing, and Math.

The 2026 GAC STAR Student is Noah An. In addition to his academic excellence, Noah is an active and accomplished member of the GAC community. He serves as Drum Major for the GAC Marching Band, participates on the Academic Team and Swim Team, and joined the GAC Mexico Mission Trip to serve the City of Children home in Ensenada, Mexico. He was also named a Georgia Governor’s Honors Program Finalist in 2024 for Clarinet. These achievements represent just a few of the many honors and activities that have defined his high school career.

Each STAR student selects a STAR Teacher, a mentor who has inspired and supported their academic journey. Both student and teacher are honored at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon and are invited to compete for state STAR scholarship awards. STAR teachers continue to support their students throughout each level of the program.

Noah’s selected STAR Teacher for the 2025–2026 school year is Mr. Tom Meeker, who taught him AP Physics C during his junior year.

We are proud to celebrate Noah and Mr. Meeker for their outstanding achievements and the inspiration they bring to the GAC community.