Baldwin High STAR Student and Teacher Recognized at Baldwin County STAR Luncheon

Baldwin County School District proudly celebrates Baldwin High School STAR Student Saitalea Riner and STAR Teacher Amy Zipperer, recognized at this year’s Baldwin County STAR Student Luncheon.

Held at The Club at Lake Sinclair and hosted by the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Chamber of Commerce, the annual STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) program honors the highest-achieving seniors across Baldwin County along with the teachers who have made a lasting impact on their success.

While Georgia Military College Prep’s Joyce Chow was named the overall Baldwin County STAR Student and will advance to regional competition, the moment also spotlighted the incredible work happening across all three local schools, including right here at Baldwin.

A Recognition That Starts with a Student

The STAR program begins with academic excellence. Students who earn the highest SAT score at their school on a single test date, but what makes this recognition especially meaningful is what comes next. Each STAR Student selects a STAR Teacher.

That choice says everything.

For Baldwin High senior Saitalea Riner, that teacher is Amy Zipperer.

The Impact of a Teacher Who Shows Up

Amy Zipperer directed Saitalea Riner in the Fall award-winning production of 'Medea'.

If you’ve spent any time around Baldwin High School, you know Amy Zipperer.

You’ve seen it in the way students talk about her. You’ve felt it in the energy of a performance. You’ve watched it unfold on stage.

As Baldwin High’s theater director, Zipperer has led students to back-to-back Region One-Act Play championships, an achievement that reflects not just talent, but discipline, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.

But awards only tell part of the story.

What matters most is what happens in the everyday moments, when a student is pushed to take a risk, to find their voice, to believe they’re capable of more than they thought.

That’s the kind of teaching students remember.

And that’s the kind of teaching students choose.

A Student Who Represents Baldwin High with Excellence

Saitalea Riner stands among the top students in Baldwin County, representing Baldwin High School with focus, integrity, and drive.

Her recognition as a STAR Student finalist reflects not only academic achievement, but also the kind of dedication that defines the Baldwin High community.

Together, Saitalea and Ms. Zipperer represent something we value deeply in Baldwin County School District: the connection between student success and meaningful mentorship.

The Heart of Baldwin County School District

At its core, the STAR program is a celebration of more than test scores.

It’s about relationships. It’s about impact. It’s about the people who help shape who our students become.

We are incredibly proud of Saitalea Riner and Amy Zipperer for representing Baldwin County School District with such distinction.

And we extend our congratulations to all of this year’s STAR Students and Teachers, along with best wishes to Joyce Chow as she advances to the regional competition.