A student who shines his inimitable light upon his studies and all who meet him, Norman Desourdy is the Thomas County Central High School Class of 2022 STAR Student. This accolade celebrates the senior of each graduating class with the highest SAT score, and it’s one Desourdy pursued.
“I feel proud about receiving STAR student,” he said. “While I did set out to achieve the reward, I didn't expect to get the score that I got. This honor is just a…happy conclusion to months of preparatory work for the SAT. I am extremely happy with myself and appreciate my teachers helping me get to this level of achievement.”
Desourdy named Advanced Placement instructor Farran Burnette his STAR teacher.
“When Norman told me that he earned STAR student, I jumped up and down for him,” Burnette said. “I was so incredibly proud of him. He worked hard, and his hard work paid off. However, he caught me off guard when he said he chose me to be his teacher. I do not take this honor lightly, and I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to develop a relationship with Norman over the last few years and to have had some imprint not only on his educational journey but on his personal journey as well.”
Burnette taught Desourdy in AP United States History and AP Focus and currently teaches him in AP World History. She’s Desourdy’s choice because she’s been one of his most influential teachers, both in the classroom and in life.
“When I initially had her, I was a mediocre student with a declining motivation toward school and grades to match,” Desourdy said. “Her class gave me the insight that I sorely needed to realize that I couldn't continue down that path anymore. That year culminated in taking the AP US History exam and bombing the test. Since then, the path Mrs. Burnette has shown me has led me to take more AP classes and achieve in school. Academically, Mrs. Burnette has made me a better writer and rekindled a passion for history. Personally, the memories I have of her class are something I am fond of, and Mrs. Burnette is an extremely approachable teacher with whatever problems I may have.”
The youth doesn’t have one specific favorite moment in Burnette’s classes; however, he’s enjoyed every discussion.
“Not many classes these days allow for deep discussions; however, Mrs. Burnette has allowed us to do exactly that,” Desourdy said. “From discussing gender in AP World to the pandemic in AP Focus, I have appreciated her insight and the opportunity to talk about these hot topics in an academic environment without the harassment that follows online. Some of her retorts to student arguments have been pretty fun, too.”
This is Burnette’s second consecutive year as the TCCHS STAR teacher.
“As teachers, we pour so much of ourselves into our students and try to build relationships with each one,” she said. “Being chosen for STAR teacher is a way for teachers to feel like the work we do for our students is seen. The relationships we build are meaningful and real, and those relationships can last much longer than just the sacred moments within our classroom walls. Plus, I love to brag on my students, especially students like Norman.”
The instructor describes her student as a calming presence in class who always pushes to improve himself and the youth as a kind person who finds joy in life’s little moments.
“He is always steady and consistent,” Burnette said. “He is quick-witted and sure to give his opinion. I have watched him grow from a tenth-grader in his first AP course to a veteran student pursuing rigor with a passion. As a person, I believe Norman is caring, genuine, and very kind. Norman always has a smile on his face, he is polite to all he comes in contact with, and he searches for ways to help others. In a lot of ways, I consider Norman a mentor and role model to other students.”
Burnette believes Desourdy will be an excellent ambassador in this role for his school because of these qualities.
“Norman earned STAR student status by working hard consistently throughout his high school career, always choosing classes that challenged the status quo, and fighting back from some curveballs life has thrown at him,” she said. “He never backs down from a challenge, has had tremendous growth as a student and as a person, and I am very excited he has come out on top for this award.”
Although he’s grateful to earn STAR status and believes taking the SAT can aid students with college and determining whether post-secondary education is the right path for them, Desourdy encourages peers not to let their test score derail their dreams.
“Whether or not you do well on the SAT does not indicate your worth,” he said. “I am very fortunate to have had people to help me along the way to getting my score; however, others are not nearly as lucky. Just remember: you are human and are allowed to make mistakes. The value you can gain from higher education or even provide to others is not determined by the SAT but rather your faith in yourself.”
Desourdy has not formally decided his college plans as he awaits determinations on his applications. However, he does have a dream school and knows exactly what he wants to study.
“My dream school right now would be MIT, but I won't hear back from them until March,” Desourdy said. “No matter where I go, I plan on majoring in engineering. Currently, I plan on majoring in aerospace and aeronautical engineering.”
His mentor has no doubt he’ll succeed and positively impact the world.
“I truly believe Norman will go and do incredible things,” Burnette said. “Things he may not even dream about yet. He is so unique, and my hope for him is he is able to build a life he loves. And I can't wait to see what that is. I look forward to a phone call in the future and hearing all about what he has done and where the road of life has taken him!”