As plans for graduations ceremonies and celebrations all came to a nationwide halt due to COVID-19 lockdowns, so did St. Johns County’s annual STAR Awards Banquet that was to be held April 29 to honor top students in the county, and the teachers who inspired them.
“STAR stands for Students Taking Academic Responsibility,” said St. Johns County parent Cary Leinan. “It recognizes the top three percent of all graduating seniors in the community. During the recognition ceremony, each student will honor a special teacher who has impacted his or her school career.”
According to Leinan, Flagler Health, the banquet host, sent an email to the schools, notifying them of the cancellation with no plans to reschedule.
“They said to send awards to school and forward the email to all the students. We heard nothing from the county,” Leinan said.
Students were able to pick up the awards at the school.
And although they weren’t honored at an official banquet, students were recognized by their teachers and staff while picking up their caps and gowns before virtual graduation ceremonies began.
The STAR banquet honorees and teachers/mentors are below:
Margaret Bowers Mr. Consunji PVHS
Layla Christy Mrs. Robinson PVHS
Joseph DePorre Mrs. Betsy Vigil PVHS
Diana Feier Mr. Steve Lyons Nease
Sarah Fraga Dr. Kathryn Kehoe PVHS
John “Jay” Kirkley III Mr. James Johnson PVHS
Brendan Koziarski Mrs. Meyer PVHS
Tyler Leinan Ms.Broughton-Gray PVHS
Grace Littler Mr. David Richards PVHS
Chase Magnano
Samantha Meyers Ms. Lee Gaul PVHS
Justin Ortiguera Mr. Sabado PVHS
Andrew Ouyang Mr. Steve Lyons Nease
Julianne Owen Mr. Michael Costello PVHS
Sofia Ramirez Dr. Arleen Chiclana PVHS
Kyle Reinheimer
Aiden Stavros Mr. Hillier PVHS
Peyton Thompson Mrs. Katie Conklin PVHS
Victoria Wendell Ms. Lee Gaul PVHS
Paul Wilson Kathryn Chandler PVHS