To be awarded the prestigious STAR Student Award is a feat not many accomplish. Every year, the high school senior with the highest SAT score of their class is given this title; Juliet Chihaya was recently named the Class of 2018’s STAR Student with an SAT score of 1570 When asked about her success, Chihaya said, “It’s an honor to be recognized as STAR Student, especially since there are lots of other amazing students [at Buford High School].” To prepare for the test, Chihaya “took a few practice tests and got some test-taking tips from friends”. The STAR Student is also asked to name a STAR Teacher, the instructor that supported them the most throughout their high school career. Chihaya named Ms. Lisa Cole, her science teacher, as hers. “Ms. Cole is the most dedicated teacher I know,” said Juliet. “Her passion for teaching and care for her students [has] always inspired me to strive for excellence. She’s always available, whether it’s to celebrate successes, work through failures, or just be there to talk. I was so blessed to have her as a mentor these past three years, so she was the first one that came to mind when I was told to pick a STAR Teacher.” Her biggest supporter, she says, is her mother, who she “has to thank for everything”. Says Chihaya, “She has sacrificed so much for me and given me so much unconditional love and support.” As for her future, Chihaya will be attending Harvard University in Cambridge, MA to pursue a degree in neurobiology, which she hopes will lead to a career in researching neurological diseases. Congratulations to the BHS Class of 2018’s STAR Student, Juliet Chihaya, and STAR Teacher, Ms. Lisa Cole!

By Hayden Wiggs