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STAR Students & Teachers

Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) celebrates Mississippi's top high school scholars and the educators who inspire them.

The Mississippi Business Alliance (MSBA) sponsors the Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Program in an effort to encourage scholastic achievement among Mississippi's high school students and to recognize the teaching profession.

  • Emphasize scholastic excellence and encourage greater scholastic effort among Mississippi students.
  • Recognition of the teaching profession.

Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation and Maddox Foundation support STAR award recipients from across the state.
View STAR sponsors

STAR 2026 Education Celebration

Key dates and submission details.

  • December 31, 2025 — Last accepted ACT test date for consideration in the 2026 STAR Education Celebration.
  • February 9, 2026 — Deadline for submitting STAR Student and STAR Teacher information (including photos for both student and teacher).
  • March 9, 2026 — Deadline for submission of attendee list for both STAR Student and STAR Teacher.
  • April 9, 2026 — STAR 2026 Education Celebration — Clyde Muse Center, 515 Country Pl Pkwy, Pearl, MS 39208 (8:00 AM registration; 9:30 AM opening and welcome).

View Education Celebration details

Requirements

Eligibility guidance for STAR Student and STAR Teacher.

  • ACT composite score of at least 25.
  • Overall average of 93 or above in selected subjects (9th–first semester 12th).
  • Only permanent record ACT scores on file in the high school office are considered.
  • Super scores are not used for STAR.

Read full requirements

Scholarships & Awards

Kelly Gene Cook, Sr. STAR Scholarships.

  • Top ALL-STAR Scholar: $24,000 scholarship (paid over four years).
  • First runner-up: $20,000 scholarship; second runner-up: $16,000 scholarship.
  • Remaining 17 ALL-STAR Scholars: $1,000 one-time scholarship.
  • Teachers of top three ALL-STAR Scholars: $1,000 each; remaining 17 ALL-STAR Teachers: $500 each.

About the Kelly Gene Cook, Sr. Foundation