STAR Feature: Gabby Smith, Katelyn Cornette, Savannah Rash, and Aubrey Sprowles

STAR Feature: Gabby Smith, Katelyn Cornette, SaVannah Rash, and Aubrey Sprowles Tiffany Lawson For Immediate Release

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – At Taylor County High School, students are becoming very involved in the newly renovated STAR program, now headed by Kelly Milburn, English teacher. STAR students are teen mentors who volunteer their time during one or more of their class periods to help in classes at Taylor County Elementary, Middle, and High School. They are responsible for assisting students who need extra help as well as helping teachers with grading, copying, etc. Although TCHS began offering the program four years ago, it’s never been closely monitored. According to Milburn, she was given class periods during the day to specifically monitor STAR students and their activities in classes. “Because some students are going off-campus, we need to make sure they’re where they’re supposed to be. The program was formed to assist students who need extra help- younger students specifically- and we want students who are dedicated to helping in the program.” This year, four TCHS students chose to STAR in Mrs. Jenny DeSpain’s Special Education classes. Senior Gabby Smith, juniors Katelyn Cornette and SaVannah Rash, and sophomore Aubrey Sprowles are very excited to be working with students with special needs. According to Cornette, “This class is the best place to STAR ever! I want to work with special needs and deaf students when I get older, so this is a good starting place for me.” Smith really enjoys working with the students as well. “They’re all just really sweet,” said Smith. In addition to making copies and grading papers, the STAR students also get close with the students. Aubrey Sprowles enjoys playing cars with Gabe Healey. “I like to play with the students and see how they interact with each other,” said Sprowles. Katelyn Cornette stated that she has worked with Healey a lot as well. “He’s so active – he likes to go everywhere,” explained Cornette. SaVannah Rash enjoys working with student Leigh Ann Humphress. “I’ve known her since I was in third grade and she’s a really sweet girl. It was so fun watching Lele do the Chicken Dance the other day. She was really getting into it!” Mrs. Jenny DeSpain is very satisfied with her STAR students. “I think Mrs. Milburn has done a great job with STAR this year. My STAR students are wonderful. The good thing about my situation is that these students requested to be with me. This makes me know that they understand the type of classroom I have and have a desire to work with my students,” explained DeSpain. Principal Charles Higdon Jr. is very impressed with the STAR program as well. “I am excited about the “REAL” life learning opportunities and experiences created for TCHS students through the STAR program. Mrs. Kelly Milburn has done a tremendous job transitioning into the role of director of the STAR program. Students and teachers throughout our district benefit from the program inside and outside of the classroom. We hope that students will use the experiences gained to help them prepare for their college and career pathway,” said Higdon. For more information about the STAR Program, contact Kelly Milburn at Taylor County High School.