McPherson named STAR Student

THOMASVILLE - Brookwood School senior Elise McPherson has been named the 2022 STAR Student, and she selected Mr. David Grooms as her STAR Teacher.  The Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition Program (STAR), organized by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), honors the state’s top achieving seniors and their inspirational teachers. Grooms has been an administrator and teacher at Brookwood for over 40 years. 

To be selected as a STAR Student, graduating high school seniors must have the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and be in the top 10 percent or top 10 students of their class based on grade point average.  Kiwanis International serves as the local sponsor of the PAGE STAR Program.

McPherson began her education career at Brookwood as a four-year-old 14 years ago.  An active member of the Brookwood community, she has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and varsity tennis player for four. In February, McPherson will perform in her thirteenth musical production as she portrays Agatha Hannigan in “Annie.”  McPherson also serves as the president of the Spanish Honor Society, president of the Honor Council, a member of the National Honor Society, a four-year Student Government Association class representative, senior class secretary, Interact Club treasurer, and Girl Talk Leader.  Dr. Randy Watts says of McPherson, “Elise is a remarkable young lady. She excels in every endeavor that she sets her mind to accomplish. Despite her many accolades, she consistently focuses on helping others shine.”

“Being STAR student is an incredible honor and I am grateful to receive this award. I’ve always tried to push myself to know all I can know and do as well as I can do, and many sleepless nights and coffee-filled mornings later, here I am! I am honored to have recognition for all the work I’ve put in during my educational career, but I certainly cannot take all the credit!” shares McPherson.

Mr. David Grooms was selected as McPherson’s STAR Teacher.  Grooms currently serves as Brookwood School’s Upper School Director, Assistant Headmaster, the History Department Chairman, producer of the school’s annual musical, sponsor of the National Honor Society, and coordinator of Middle and Upper School scheduling, the graduation ceremony, and Upper School awards day.

Regarding Grooms, McPherson remarks, “All my teachers have been unique and exceptional mentors on my academic journey, though Mr. Grooms has been a standout. He is a thorough lecturer, a kind teacher, and an incredibly knowledgeable person that has taught me skills I'll use in college and beyond. And he made a science person like history! I’m still not sure how he did it, but I am grateful that he did and for all he has done for me.” 

“Elise is very much like a sponge in class.  She wants to learn new concepts and ideas.  Even more importantly, she is very enthusiastic about that learning.  Her eyes light up and she literally almost comes out of her chair when she learns something new.   She absolutely loves making connections. She has demonstrated the tenacity to learn to master new concepts and enjoy the learning process,” says David Grooms, STAR Teacher.