By Nicole Thomas
Starkville High School’s 2015 STAR Student is Melinda Xu. Melinda, who earned a 34 on her ACT, selected SHS biology teacher Tate Fischer as her STAR Teacher, recognizing him as the teacher who most impacted her high school career.
The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program recognizes high school seniors in Mississippi who earn the highest ACT score in their graduation school. The STAR student then selects his/her STAR teacher.
Melinda, who was a student in Coach Fischer’s ninth grade biology class, says he made a big impression during her first year of high school that she’s never forgotten.
“As a freshman you’re a little nervous and you don’t really know what to expect,” Melinda explained. “Coach Fischer eases the transition from middle school to high school.”
Fischer, a dynamic teacher who engages his students in the study of science, is also well known for his quick wit and sense of humor, and he often chides seniors for not remembering their freshmen biology teacher.
“Melinda definitely made me eat my words,” Fischer joked.
The veteran teacher with 24 years of experience was recognized as SSD’s Teacher of the Year in 2013, but this is his first selection as STAR Teacher.
“This is a very special honor for me,” Fisher said. “Melinda is not only a good student she also genuinely enjoys learning and discovery.”
Melinda matches her outstanding performance in the classroom with the same level of excellence as a member of the SHS chorus, Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and SHS swim team. Melinda is also an accomplished pianist. An eleven year student, she earned Gold at the state competition for her knowledge of music theory, sight reading and technique combined with her outstanding solo performance.
Melinda, also a National Merit Semifinalist, is considering numerous college scholarships to decide where she will attend college, but she plans to study nutrition.
Melinda and Coach Fischer will be honored during a luncheon hosted by the Mississippi Economic Council and the M.B. Swayze Foundation recognizing all of the STAR Students and STAR Teachers in the state in April.