STAR student ready to make move to UGA

Harlem High School senior Violet Stamper was named the school's STAR student.

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Learning that she scored higher on the SAT than the more than 250 other students at Harlem High came as a surprise to Violet, even more so because she didn't know the STAR program existed.

"I found out about it when my counselor told me I was in the running for it," she said.

The 17-year-old daughter of Russell and Lisa Stamper couldn't be happier. Also happy is the educator Violet chose as the school's STAR teacher.

"This is my first time being selected as STAR teacher," said Stephanie Arrington, an honors biology and human anatomy teacher. "I was very honored, but humbled, to be chosen."

Though she appreciated the honor, Arrington said she believed others have had a tremendous influence on Violet's life.

"I feel like so many teachers, as well as her parents, impacted her life just as much as I did," Arrington said. "This was truly an honor for me."

Violet already has 16 college credits under her belt and plans to enroll in the University of Georgia's Odom School of Ecology in the summer.

"We thought it would be a good idea for me to get used to it while there are quite a few less people there," she said. During spring break, Violet was to visit the school and register for classes.

Violet's love of wildlife conservation began when she first saw "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin on television.

"I think it's just great to be around animals you love and be actively helping them," she said. She called Irwin's untimely death in 2006 a "terrible accident and part of the danger that comes from being around a live animal."

Violet said she is afraid she has received a romanticized version of what field research scientists actually do.

"I've got to look into that more," she said.

"Violet has always looked ahead with her future in mind," Arrington said. "When she was a junior -- or maybe even earlier -- she has wanted to pursue her degree at the College of Ecology at University of Georgia. I know that she will be extremely successful with each degree that she wants to obtain, from her bachelors to her doctorate.

"She is one of the best to come out of Harlem High School. She will represent our school well."