Groce named Trion High School’s STAR Student

On Thursday, January 29, Trion High School’s William Groce was named as the 2026 STAR student, along with STAR teacher, Mr. Josh Smith. In order to recognize the pair, the Chattooga County Rotary Club hosted a luncheon, where each of them had an opportunity to give a statement on their accomplishments, and thank the Rotary Club for the amazing opportunity.

To be named the STAR student and STAR teacher is testament to personal dedication and academic ambition. To earn STAR status, Groce had to be in the top ten percent of his graduating class, and earn the highest score on the SAT. After accomplishing these impressive feats, the STAR Student gets to elect a teacher that pushes them to strive for excellence while also being a mentor for them. This teacher is then named STAR Teacher.

Both Groce and Mr. Smith are highly deserving of this recognition, as each of them have an immense impact on Trion High School. Groce is described as a hard working student with a drive to be the best he can academically; while also being a well-rounded student whom many look up to, and hold to high regards. He serves in FCCLA, FBLA, FCA and is a member of the Trion Baseball Team. He was also elected by his peers to serve in the student government, as well as, for many senior superlatives including Mr. THS and class favorite.

Groce is beyond proud of his achievement, reporting, “I am so humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award. I would like to say a special thank you to Coach Smith, as well as to my school’s administration and teachers, for helping me along the way, because without them, there is no way I could have achieved this amazing accomplishment!”

Mr. Smith, is a positive math teacher who continues to make a difference in numerous students’ lives, despite only being a third year teacher. Apart from teaching, he is a basketball coach who pushes players to their full potential.

Mr. Smith is honored to have been selected for STAR teacher, as he stated, “ I am very thankful Will chose me as his STAR teacher. Will is a very respectful and hard-working young man who every teacher would love to have in class. I feel very blessed to have been able to teach Will over the past three years.”