Starr Gibson, a senior at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St Louis Charter High School (CHS), recently received a 2013 Charter Excellence Award from the Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS).
The 17-year-old was one of five charter high school seniors honored in the state at the INCS convention Dec. 2 and 3. The award also came with $1,000.
“I wasn’t sure if I’d get the award because there are a lot of charter schools in Illinois,” said Gibson, who has a 4.0 grade point average. “But I do work hard. Grades don’t come easy. I study about two hours every day after school.” Gibson added that she is working to be the class valedictorian.
“Starr is the absolute model of everything I think a student should be,” said Colin Neumeyer, CHS language arts teacher. “She has the greatest work ethic of any student I’ve been around. She’s thorough; and she really engages the activities.”
Bridget Nelson, teacher of English IV and women and literature, gave an assignment to her class. Students were instructed to write an essay about the book, “Things Fall Apart” by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe.
“Starr sent an email before the assignment was due,” Nelson said. “She said, ‘I’m attaching the beginning of two essays.’ And she asked me my opinion on which one to pursue.
“I never had a student do that before.”
Gibson has truly developed as a student and learner, Neumeyer said. “She’s not just working for a grade. She’s focused on learning and the process of learning.”
Gibson’s courses this semester include: pre-calculus and introduction to engineering and design, college and career readiness, honors English IV, women in literature and physical education. Some of Starr’s school activities include serving on the Principal’s Advisory Council and CHS Student Council. She is also senior class vice president and a member of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Club at CHS.
When Gibson came to the school as a freshman, a few students called her an “overachiever.” “But I didn’t let it bother me,” she said. “Hard work will pay off.”
Gibson, who has an ACT score of 21, has been accepted to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Tennessee State in Nashville, Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Lincoln University (Mo.) in Jefferson City and SIUE. The high school senior, who wants to be a dietician, has not made any final decisions as to which college she will attend.
“Starr is a prime example of a CHS student,” said Gina Washington, CHS director. “Her academics and 4.0 GPA speak for themselves. I also am impressed with her community service and church involvement.
Washington continued by using a CHS slogan: “I can truly say that ‘failure is NOT an option’ for Starr!”
The mission of the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career-and college – ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st Century.
Photo Information:
Pictured is Starr Gibson, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center Charter High School senior.