Each year, one student each from the three local high schools is chosen as a STAR (Student and Teacher Recognition Program) student by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Foundation. It's a pretty big deal. These three students are traditionally recognized locally by the Covington Kiwanis Club. In fact, for more than 50 years, that's been the case.

To be a STAR student, you have to be in the top 10 percent of students in grade point average, have taken the three-part SAT test and scored highest of all qualified students. Clearly, these students are the cream of the crop.

School comes easy for some but it can be a struggle for many. Throw in economic struggles and of course all the social issues children deal with during their development and it's even more of a testament to these three individual's dedication to their class work and maturity at such a young age.

Congratulations to Newton's Juweek Adolphe, Eastside's Seth Kimbrell and Alcovy's Stephanie Lightsey for the culmination of years of hard work. These three students aimed high and were rewarded for their dedication to excellence. Their parents deserve some credit to. For without solid adult guidance, our youth has little chance to succeed.

These are but three examples of the youth in Newton County. However, they are three examples every young students should look up to. We wish them well in college and beyond.