Starkville, September 16, 2025
News Summary
The Starkville Rotary Club has honored Stephany Watson, a Chemistry teacher at Starkville High School, as Teacher of the Month for her exceptional contributions. Watson, who also co-sponsors the Student Council, has positively impacted both students and fellow educators. Additionally, students Carmen Hollingshed and Gabe Wubben were recognized as Students of the Month for their dedication and involvement in various extracurricular activities. The Rotary Club promotes academic excellence through monthly recognition and annual awards, showcasing the talent within the Starkville education community.
Starkville Celebrates Excellence in Education
The Starkville Rotary Club honored Stephany Watson as the Teacher of the Month for September 2023, recognizing her contributions to Starkville High School (SHS). Watson’s outstanding work in the classroom, particularly in teaching Chemistry and Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry, has earned her the admiration of students and faculty alike.
Watson has been a member of the SHS faculty since 2021 and is actively involved in supporting student leadership as the co-sponsor of the SHS Student Council. The honor was announced at a recent Rotary meeting, where Watson also took the opportunity to celebrate Carmen Hollingshed, a junior, and Gabe Wubben, a senior, who were named the Rotary’s Students of the Month for September.
Nomination and Recognition
Dr. Watress Harris, the principal of SHS, nominated Watson for this recognition due to her commitment to student success and her role in maintaining high academic standards. Last year, Watson was also highlighted as the SHS Teacher of the Year, underscoring her impact within the school community.
Watson is noted for mentoring less experienced teachers and sharing effective classroom management strategies. Dr. Harris emphasized Watson’s ability to set elevated expectations for all students, regardless of their backgrounds, ensuring that each one has the opportunity to thrive academically.
Support for Students
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Watson actively supports high-achieving students facing challenges in advanced classes. She encourages them to embrace the learning process, particularly emphasizing growth beyond their first non-A grades in tough subjects.
Student Achievements
Carmen Hollingshed, recognized for her dedication, is involved in several extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, DECA, Beta Club, and the SHS Chamber Choir. She also volunteers with the organization 100 Kids Who Care. Watson describes Hollingshed as creative, resourceful, and meticulous, attributes that serve her well in academic pursuits.
Gabe Wubben, a senior, balances his commitments to the SHS Band and the Cross Country team while managing a part-time job. Watson characterizes him as insightful, resilient, and witty. Both students have shown exemplary work ethic and responsibility, traits that Watson believes will positively influence their future endeavors.
Ongoing Commitment to Education
The Starkville Rotary Club’s Excellence in Education Committee plays a vital role in promoting academic excellence, recognizing teachers and students each month throughout the school year. Furthermore, the Rotary Club annually awards the Merrill Hawkins Excellence in Education Award to a teacher in Oktibbeha County for exceptional accomplishments within the classroom.
As the Starkville community continues to foster an environment of learning and achievement, honors such as these showcase the dedication and talent present in local education.
FAQ
Who was named Teacher of the Month in Starkville for September?
Stephany Watson, a faculty member at Starkville High School, was recognized as Teacher of the Month.
Who were the Students of the Month?
The Students of the Month for September are Carmen Hollingshed and Gabe Wubben.
What subjects does Stephany Watson teach?
She teaches Chemistry and Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry.
What role does Watson play in student leadership programs?
Watson serves as the faculty co-sponsor of the SHS Student Council.
What is the purpose of the Starkville Rotary Club’s Excellence in Education Committee?
The committee recognizes teachers and students monthly during the school year to promote academic excellence.
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Additional Resources
- Starkville Rotary Club Honors Teacher and Students
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Former Starkville High Teacher Pleads Guilty
- Google Search: Starkville Rotary Club
- Former Starkville Teacher Pleads Guilty to Molesting Student
- Google Scholar: Starkville High School
- Visual Arts Teacher Promotes Student Recognition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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.
