Tattnall County High School (TCHS) STAR Student and senior Fredrick "Nolan" Wiginton, along with his selected STAR Teacher, Cita Anderson, were honored by the Glennville Rotary Club at their Wednesday, March 30, 2022, meeting.
When introducing Wiginton to the Rotarians, TCHS Counselor Shaqulia Foreman stated that he earned this elite recognition by having the highest score on a single test date on the SAT and ranking in the top ten percent of his class.
The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) STAR Program honors Georgia's outstanding high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. The Glennville Rotary Club sponsors the local TCHS STAR Student/Teacher program. Wiginton and Anderson recently attended a regional ceremony at Georgia Southern University (GSU).
"It has been cool to achieve this huge honor, and I feel that I am pretty competitive, always wanting to get the edge out," Wiginton said.
Nolan is involved in many school activities in addition to his stellar academic record. He is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America Club (FBLA) Leadership Team, Junior Beta Club, Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce Junior Board of Directors, TCHS Math Team, and TCHS Chess Club.
"He is a part of the dual enrollment program through GSU and has completed 34 hours towards his college degree, a notable accomplishment when he graduates in May. He plans to continue at GSU to obtain a degree in Political Science. He then plans to sit for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and attend law school at the University of Georgia. His plans are to work one day as a Civil Attorney," Foreman said.
Wiginton expressed high praise for Anderson, his third-grade teacher, who he chose as his STAR Teacher. He commended her for her complete devotion and involvement in the development of her third-grade students.
Wiginton commented that Anderson always exhibited enthusiasm for teaching and encouraged her students in science with her collection of snakes, fish, turtles, bearded dragons, and other animals.
"She gave us great incentives and rewards to excel, and we all enjoyed the Lego sets that she had in her classroom," Wiginton said.
Anderson praised her former student, stating that she recognized his potential at an early age.
"I am humbled that he chose me as his STAR Teacher, since many times the teachers in the primary grades are not recognized," Anderson said.
Anderson is retired after 20 years in the classroom, now enjoying time spent with her grandchildren.
"I did not like to sit still in my classroom, always moving around to keep their attention. I believe in teaching with passion and making every moment of learning fun and exciting. I have always loved my students and prayed for them. I believe in our school system's motto of doing whatever it takes to motivate and challenge our students, who have tremendous potential that needs to be tapped," she said.
Wiginton’s parents have been supportive of his academic endeavors and encouraged him to reach high in his goals, according to Anderson. He is the son of Jeremy Wiginton and Diana Lewis of Reidsville.
"Nolan was ready to learn and was like a sponge in soaking up knowledge. He has continued to do so, as one can see by his accomplishment as STAR Student," she said.
Principal Lakisha Bobbitt and TCHS Work-Based Learning Teacher Sabrina Page accompanied Wiginton and Anderson to the Rotary Club meeting.
