PHS senior Christopher Castaneda was named STAR student for his 32 on the ACT. Chris selected Mrs. Erin Gipson as his STAR Teacher recognizing her as the teacher who most impacted his high school career.
Chris plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi where he will study Biochemistry. Chris is a 4 year member of the PHS Marching and Concert Bands. He holds a 4.13 grade point average and is currently ranked 2nd in his class.
Mrs. Gipson teaches English Composition I, Accelerated English 1, and English 1 at PHS. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned a bachelors in English and masters in English Literature. Mrs. Gipson is currently in her 2nd year of teaching at PHS.
The Star Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program recognizes high school seniors in Mississippi who earn the highest ACT score in their school. The STAR student then selects his STAR teacher.
Chris and Mrs. Gipson 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 teachers in the state in April.