A quartet of seniors from local high schools have been named 2025-2026 STAR Students by the Mississippi Business Alliance Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition Program.
They include Jakob Caldwell from Senatobia, Nick Clark from Independence, Cash Jackson from Magnolia Heights School and Wyatt Neese from Strayhorn.
The foursome will join other STAR Students from across Mississippi at the STAR Education Celebration in Jackson this month. As part of the STAR Student program, each recipient selects a STAR Teacher who made the greatest contribution to their academic achievements.
STAR recognition is awarded to seniors with the highest ACT score at their respective high school and meet additional academic requirements including maintaining an overall average of 93 or higher in English, mathematics, science, social studies and foreign language courses.
Jakob Caldwell, Senatobia High School
Caldwell, of Senatobia High, scored a 33 on the ACT. The son of Stephen and Kelly Caldwell, he plans to attend Mississippi State University next fall. Caldwell chose Spanish instructor Linda Kappenman as his STAR Teacher.
Nick Clark, Independence High School
Clark, of Independence High, had an ACT score of 27. The son of Brian and Anita Clark, he wants to begin his pursuit of a degree in animation, art and music at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Clark selected Jaru Liggins as STAR Teacher.
Cash Jackson, Magnolia Heights School
Jackson, of Magnolia Heights, notched a 34 on the ACT and plans to major in business at the University of Mississippi. He is the son of Jim and Mischel Jackson and chose Dr. Michael Butts as his STAR Teacher.
Wyatt Neese, Strayhorn High School
Neese, of Strayhorn High, scored a 25 on the ACT and plans to attend Northwest Mississippi Community College before transferring to Mississippi State to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. He is the son of James and Stacey Neese and selected Melissa Stanford as STAR Teacher.
