Senior gives credit to teacher

Greenbrier High School senior Scott Morris might come across as one who doesn't like a lot of attention, but lately that's exactly what he's been getting after being named the school's STAR student.

"I didn't even realize there was a STAR student," said Scott, the 17-year-old son of Jan and Jack Morris, of Evans. "I was kind of ignorant of that."

When his guidance counselor called him into her office and told him that he had been named the school's STAR student, he was shocked.

"I got a lot of recognition at school," he said, adding that he began to be embarrassed by all of the accolades being hurled his way.

One person Scott said was deserving of the extra attention was Jeremy Medlin, the teacher that he chose as his STAR teacher.

"I had him for chemistry in the 10th-grade and for chemistry II last year and I served on the prom committee with him last year," said Scott, who also is a member of the school's National Honor Society and Beta Blub.

"He's really a great guy. He's young and energetic and I didn't really enjoy school until I took his chemistry class," Scott added.

Medlin said he has been honored to be the STAR teacher and to have influenced Scott's post-high school educational plans.

"Scott Morris is one the most exceptional and well-rounded students I have ever had," Medlin said. "Scott is planning to major in chemical engineering and there is no greater compliment that a teacher can receive than seeing a student enter the field in which he or she specializes. I am very proud of Scott and look forward to what he can accomplish in college and the world beyond."

Scott will attend Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., on a freshman academic scholarship, which will include an out-of-state tuition waiver. He also received a scholarship from the school's chemical engineering department.

"It may take me four or five years to complete college," said Scott, adding that he plans to co-op. "I have an interest in aerospace, too, so I was thinking that it would be neat to co-op with NASA in Huntsville, Ala."

Additionally, Scott plans to go to graduate school, possibly the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.

"Both of my parents went to Auburn and it's really exciting for me to be able to go there," he said. "It seems like everybody's so excited they went to Auburn. I know there's a lot of Christian stuff at Auburn that I can get involved in, too, and that'll be nice."