Each year, an academic highlight for the senior class is the announcement of the Tallulah Falls School STAR Student and STAR Teacher.
Jingyi “Jason” Sang of Shangai, China earned the highest score on the SAT and is currently in the top five percent of this year’s graduating class. Sang selected upper school English teacher Kelli Bly as the STAR teacher.
Sang has invested fully in the plethora of college courses taught on the TFS campus and has a current weighted GPA of 4.66. In addition to his commitment to academic excellence, Sang is highly engaged in the TFS learning community, serving as president of the Math Club and the Tri-M [music] Society. He is also an active member of the International Club, serving as an officer. He is a member of the National Honor Society and a Presidential Ambassador. He’s a member of the award-winning Esports Team and works behind the scenes as the lighting operator and stage for the TFS Players; he’s also a member of the Thespian Society.
In selecting Bly as the STAR Teacher, Sang has high praise for his English teacher, whose help has been invaluable as he navigates English as a second language.
“I chose Mrs. Bly for her tremendous help with my English. She assisted me in class to improve my reading and writing skills. She was also always willing to help me with the grammar questions I encountered while studying for the SAT,” Sang said. “I am very grateful for her assistance; it is my honor to choose her as my STAR Teacher.”
Bly is equally complimentary of her accomplished student. She’s worked with Sang and his twin brother Jingan “Jerry” Sang for their entire high school experience.
“It has been my pleasure to get to know Jason these past four years. I first heard about him (and his brother Jerry) before he even came to the high school from the middle school campus,” Bly said. “Jason has those qualities that make him the kind of student teachers would love to have a classroom full of; aside from his intelligence and his desire to extend his knowledge beyond what we discuss in the classroom, he is personable and connects with others – students and teachers, alike. I feel fortunate I played a part in guiding Jason toward his future, and I have every confidence that no matter what path he chooses, he will make his mark in the world.”
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, according to the PAGE (Professional Association of Georgia Educators) Foundation. The Rotary Club of Habersham County will host the county’s STAR Students and Teachers on Feb. 3. The STAR Student for the county will be announced at that event.
