Laurel High announces STAR Student, Teacher

senior portrait of Keandranique Gilbert

Due to her outstanding score of 30 on the ACT, Laurel High School senior Keandranique Gilbert was named STAR Student.

Gilbert plans to attend Tougaloo College where she will major in biology, with plans to become a doctor or medical illustrator. While at Laurel High School, she was a member of the LHS Marching Band, Art Club and received six college credits through the dual enrollment program. She received a STAR Student scholarship, Presidential Academic Scholarship, Foot Locker Foundation Scholarship, Inc-UNCF Scholarship, and the UNCF STEM Scholars Scholarship.

With the honor of being named STAR Student, she was allowed to choose a teacher who contributed to her academic success, and for Gilbert that teacher was Kristin Walters.

“I chose Mrs. Walters as STAR Teacher, because she is an excellent teacher and motivator. She wasn't my favorite teacher at first, but as time went on, I realized how good of a teacher she was. She is very passionate about what she does as her work. I especially appreciate the way she treats her students as young adults who are still growing. She lends an ear whenever someone asks, and as a student that is an irreplaceable figure we all need,” Gilbert said.

A National Board Certified Teacher and former English teacher, Walters is in her 13th year with the Laurel School District, and currently serves as a Laurel High School assistant principal.

“I am honored to be chosen as Keandranique’s STAR Teacher, Walters said. “She is part of the last class of students I had as a teacher, so being named her STAR Teacher is special. Keandranique is an intelligent young woman with an artist’s soul, and I love to have conversations with her about art and literature. She is an excellent representative of Laurel High School, and I am very proud of her.”