Augusta Christian Schools STARs

Andrew Fisher and Jean Lopez, who share this year's title of STAR student at Augusta Christian Schools, have been so impacted by teacher Kristy Lyons' enthusiastic approach to teaching math that they both chose her as their STAR teacher.

"I really didn't like math before I took her class, said Andrew, the 17-year-old son of Linda and Tim Jennings of Martinez. "Because of her teaching me, I think it will have an impact on what I do after college."

Likewise, Jean said Lyons' enthusiasm is contagious.

"I've had her since the eighth grade, and she has yet to be unenthusiastic about math, whether it's geometry or differential calculus," said Jean, the 18-year-old the son of Juan and Nahir Lopez of Augusta. "She's also helped me grow as a Christian and has, in the past, pulled spiritual lessons from a math lesson."

Lyons, who marks her 10th year as a STAR teacher, said it is always an honor to have been involved in the lives of her students.

"Just to know I had an impact," she said. "I'm very thankful to have been a part of what they've been able to achieve. I have taught them for the past 4 1/2 years from algebra I to calculus."

Andrew is president of the school's Beta Club and has been on the football and track teams for the past four years. This is his first year in the school chorus, but he has played the piano for 11 years.

Jean has been a member of the Beta Club for four years and has previously served as the club's vice president and treasurer. He is on the school's tennis team and won a Best Actor in Region award for his performance in the school's one-act play, The Importance of Being Earnest. He also volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House in Augusta.

Both young men have already applied to some of the nation's top colleges. Andrew has his sights set on Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., and plans to pursue a career in anesthesiology or nursing anesthesia.

Jean also wants to enter the medical field. "I know that where ever I go, I want to make an impact for Jesus Christ and serve Him with any work I decide to do," Jean said. "I've just always dreamed of becoming a doctor because of the challenges specific to its field and because of the opportunities to make a difference in another person's life."

AUGUSTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

Students: Andrew Fisher and Jean Lopez

Teacher: Kristy Lyons