Starkville, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Stephany Watson, a teacher at Starkville High School, has been named Teacher of the Month by the Starkville Rotary Club for September. She was nominated by Principal Watress Harris for her innovative teaching methods and mentoring role. In recognition, she also honored students Carmen Hollingshed and Gabe Wubben as Rotary Students of the Month for their achievements in academics and extracurricular activities. Watson’s commitment highlights the support education receives from the community.
Starkville – Starkville High School (SHS) teacher Stephany Watson has been honored as the Starkville Rotary Club’s Teacher of the Month for September. Watson, who has been a faculty member at SHS since 2021, teaches chemistry and Advanced Placement (AP) chemistry, and she also serves as the faculty co-sponsor of the SHS Student Council.
In conjunction with Watson’s recognition, she honored two students as Rotary Students of the Month: junior Carmen Hollingshed and senior Gabe Wubben. Both students have taken chemistry classes with Watson, who expressed her gratitude to the Starkville Rotary Club for their commitment to supporting education in the community.
Watson has been praised by SHS Principal Watress Harris, who nominated her for this honor. Harris noted that Watson is a deserving recipient of the community recognition, commending her role as a mentor for less experienced teachers and highlighting her effective teaching strategies that resonate with students, even in the demanding environment of AP classes.
Watson, who was named Starkville High School Teacher of the Year last school year, shared that teaching comes with its challenges, but the rewards of guiding young people make the effort worthwhile. She emphasized the emotional and academic hurdles that students face, particularly when they receive grades that may not meet their expectations.
In selecting the students for recognition, Watson described Hollingshed as highly creative, resourceful, and meticulous. Hollingshed is involved in several extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, DECA, Beta Club, and the SHS Chamber Choir, in addition to volunteering with 100 Kids Who Care. Meanwhile, Wubben is characterized as insightful, resilient, and witty, participating actively in the SHS Band and cross-country events, all while balancing a part-time job alongside his advanced classes.
Watson believes both students demonstrate commendable “difference-making” traits and an outstanding work ethic, noting that they take responsibility for their outcomes and challenge themselves academically. Principal Harris echoed Watson’s sentiments concerning the admirable qualities he observes within her classroom.
The Starkville Rotary Club, through its Excellence in Education Committee, recognizes educators and students throughout the school year. The club also annually awards the Merrill Hawkins Excellence in Education Award to a notable teacher in Oktibbeha County.
Recognition Overview
The Starkville Rotary Club honored the following individuals in September:
- Teacher of the Month: Stephany Watson
- Students of the Month: Carmen Hollingshed (Junior) and Gabe Wubben (Senior)
About the Awardees
- Stephany Watson: Teaches chemistry and AP chemistry, co-sponsor of Student Council.
- Carmen Hollingshed: Involved in numerous extracurriculars and community service.
- Gabe Wubben: Active in band, cross-country, and works part-time while studying.
Community and Educational Support
The Starkville Rotary Club plays a vital role in recognizing and supporting education in the community, demonstrating commitment through honors and awards for both teachers and students. This program assists in highlighting outstanding efforts in local schools.
Background
Over the years, the Starkville Rotary Club has sought to improve educational standards and recognize excellence within the local education community, culminating in annual awards and ongoing support initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Teacher of the Month for September?
Stephany Watson from Starkville High School.
Which students were recognized as Rotary Students of the Month?
Junior Carmen Hollingshed and senior Gabe Wubben.
What subjects does Stephany Watson teach?
She teaches chemistry and Advanced Placement (AP) chemistry.
What roles does Watson hold at SHS?
Watson is the faculty co-sponsor of the SHS Student Council.
What are some activities that Carmen Hollingshed participates in?
Carmen is involved in National Honor Society, DECA, Beta Club, the SHS Chamber Choir, and volunteers with 100 Kids Who Care.
What extracurricular activities does Gabe Wubben engage in?
He is a member of the SHS Band and competes in Cross Country, while also juggling a part-time job.
Who nominated Watson for the Rotary honor?
Watress Harris, the principal of SHS nominated her.
What is the purpose of the Starkville Rotary Club’s Excellence in Education Committee?
The committee recognizes teachers and students of the month during the school year.
Key Features of Recognized Individuals
| Name | Designation | Teaching/Activity Focus | Extracurricular Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephany Watson | Teacher of the Month | Chemistry, AP Chemistry | Student Council Co-Sponsor |
| Carmen Hollingshed | Student of the Month | High School Junior | National Honor Society, DECA, Beta Club, SHS Chamber Choir, Volunteer |
| Gabe Wubben | Student of the Month | High School Senior | SHS Band, Cross Country, Part-time Job |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Anticipation Builds for Mississippi State Baseball Season
Starkville School Board Approves MOU for New High School
Starkville Recognizes Impactful Educators
Starkville Rotary Club Honors September Teacher and Students of the Month
Mississippi State Baseball Schedule Unveiled
Starkville Rotary Club Honors Teacher and Students of the Month
Lynn Spruill Wins Starkville Mayoral Primary
Starkville High School Celebrates 2025 Miss Yellow Jacket
Anna Wyatt Ford Crowned 2025 Miss Yellow Jacket in Starkville
Starkville High School Wind Ensemble Returns to State Band Clinic
Additional Resources
- C Dispatch: Starkville Rotary Club Honors SHS Teacher and Two High Schoolers
- Starkville School District: Starkville Rotary Club Honors SHS Teacher Watson and Two High Schoolers
- Starkville Daily News: Oktibbeha Young Leaders Honored at Rotary
- Wikipedia: Rotary International
- Google Search: Starkville High School
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
