Starkville High School Students Triumph at State Competition

Starkville High School students proudly representing their school at the Mississippi Educators Rising State Competition.

News Summary

Six talented students from Starkville High School showcased their skills at the Mississippi Educators Rising State Conference, bringing home multiple awards. Their achievements included three First Place finishes and several other top rankings across various categories. The students not only excelled in competitions but also gained valuable real-world experience through workshops and networking. With strong mentorship from their Educators Rising chapter, the future looks bright for these aspiring educators as they prepare for the upcoming national competition.

Starkville High School Students Shine at Educators Rising State Competition

In the heart of Starkville, something special happened recently at the Mississippi Educators Rising State Conference. Six talented students from Starkville High School packed their bags and made their way to William Carey University this past February, representing their school with pride and determination. The mission? To showcase their skills and knowledge in the field of education and to have a bit of fun along the way!

Making Waves in Education

These six bright minds didn’t just attend the conference—they excelled! They competed in various categories that celebrate the art of teaching, which is part of Starkville High’s Educator Preparation curriculum pathway. And guess what? All six students walked away with impressive placements in their respective categories!

From classroom management to children’s literature, these students demonstrated their understanding and passion for education, taking home an impressive haul of awards: three First Place finishes, two Second Place honors, and even a Third Place award! What a fantastic achievement for Starkville High School!

A Closer Look at the Winners

Among the standout performers, Carissa Palmer took home 1st Place in the Job Interview category, while Keylee Lang and Evvy Fuller tied for 1st Place in the Teacher Created Materials category. Meanwhile, Chloe Jones showcased her skills in Children’s K-3 Literature (Spanish) and earned 2nd Place. Not to be outdone, Kylee Tomlinson snagged 2nd Place in Lesson Planning – CTE, and Zoie Williams also made a mark by earning 3rd Place in Children’s K-3 Literature.

And there’s more to Kylee Tomlinson! Not only did she excel in the competition, but she also held the role of MS Educators Rising State Treasurer. During her time at the conference, she presided over the closing session, highlighting her leadership skills and commitment to education. On top of that, she has been elected as the 2025-2026 MS Educators Rising Reporter!

Gaining Real-World Experience

The conference wasn’t just about competing; it was a complete educational experience. Students had the opportunity to attend various workshops tailored to the education field and even explored STEM and Engineering labs. This hands-on experience is invaluable as it helps students get a taste of what a career in education can offer and how they can make a difference in the future.

Empowering Future Educators

Part of the magic behind Starkville High’s success can be attributed to the SHS Educators Rising chapter and the exceptional guidance of April Dill, the 2023 Mississippi Teacher of the Year Finalist. Dill emphasizes the importance of mentoring young minds, striving to cultivate a new generation of educators who will one day fill classrooms across the nation. Her initiatives, including a job shadowing program, allow students to work alongside veteran teachers and gain insights into effective teaching methods, making the learning experience even richer.

As Starkville High School gears up for the upcoming Educators Rising National Competition set to be held in Orlando this June, the excitement is palpable. These students not only represented their school admirably but also paved the way for future educators to follow in their footsteps. With mentorship and real-world experiences woven into their educational journey, the future looks bright for these aspiring teachers!