Twelve students from Thomas County Middle School and Thomas County Central High School recently traveled to Bainbridge to participate in the annual Regional Technology Fair.  There were more than 100 participants in the fair competing in various technology categories and age divisions from Thomas, Grady, Decatur, and Lee Counties. Students from Thomas County brought home five first-place medals, five second-place medals, and two third-place medals. Every student from Thomas County placed in the top three of their category and division.

To anyone searching for proof that athletics and academics truly can go together, look no further than Benjamin “Ben” Wilhelm.

Wilhelm is the 2019 Thomas County Central High School STAR Student.

The senior is known for his commitment to academics, athletics and school community. Wilhelm is an honor student who has participated in several sports, including football, swim, baseball, cross country and basketball. The youth is active in his school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and National Honor Society chapters. He also takes part in the Work-Based Learning Program and works at Hand-In-Hand Primary School a few hours each day.

“Being named STAR student is an honor,” Wilhelm said. “The fact that I am a student-athlete and earned STAR Student means more. It shows that just because you play a sport does not mean you cannot be one of the smartest in your class.”

The STAR designation is given to the student in each graduating class with the highest SAT score. Wilhelm says he set out to attain this title.

“Right after I took my first SAT and scored above the average, my goal was to have the highest score in the school,” he said. “At TCCHS, everyone pushes you to do your best, and the teachers making me a better student helped me achieve STAR Student.”

Laura Kornegay is his chosen STAR Teacher.