Oglethorpe County High School science teacher Jennifer Yauck said what senior Kayden Watkins has accomplished is remarkable.
“He's followed a path of excellence ever since I have known him,” Yauck said, “and that is amazing.”
Every year, one high school senior is picked for the Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) for their academic performance from each Georgia-accredited high school. Watkins was honored as this year’s STAR student at the Rotary Club meeting on Feb. 13.
He was also praised by Oglethorpe County Superintendent Beverley Levine.
“He is a man of many talents and (will) go incredibly far in life,” she said.
Watkins is dual-enrolled at the University of Georgia and hopes to study management information systems at Terry College of Business. He plays on an ice hockey team, attended the Governor’s Honors Program at Georgia Southern in 2024 and has been selected to the Watson Brown Foundation Junior Board of Trustees.
Watkins credits Yauck, his AP biology teacher, with making sure everyone in his class passed. It’s one of the many reasons he picked her as the STAR Teacher.
“Mrs. Yauck isn't just a teacher, she's also a mother, a mentor and an instrumental member of our community dedicated to her students’ success,” Watkins said. “That is why she deserves the honor of being this county STAR Teacher of the Year.”
Yauck said Watkins' contribution to the Oglethorpe County community means much to her.
“Thank you for choosing me to accept this honor today, but even more importantly, thank you for helping me become a better version of myself and a teacher,” Yauck said.
Watkins’ family attended the Rotary Club meeting to support him.
“He’s always had a creative mind,” said Marquita Arnold Freeman, Watkins’ mother. “He’s always had a strong will, and he's always been his own person — and he’s not afraid of being his own person. So, I'm proud of him for being that person.”
Watkins advised students to follow their own heart and put in their best effort.
“Live life the way you want to ultimately, put your best effort forth, whatever that is, and be proud of that,” Watkins said.
The Rotary Club also recognized Catherine Yauck (OCES), Molly Graham (OCMS) and Jaliyah Turner (OCHS) as students of the month for February.