Burke's B.E.S.T. Archive 2021-2022

Burke's B.E.S.T. Objective

The objective of the rewards and recognition committee is to increase the number of opportunities to publicly recognize and celebrate all stakeholders.  At BCPS, our families, students, faculty and staff, and community partners are our richest resource. Whether an employee, parent, volunteer, or Partner in Education, stakeholders are integral to BCPS’s success. Their passion and commitment to our students’ success are vital to helping reach our vision. As teammates, colleagues, and partners, the collaboration, commitments, and connections with all stakeholders are what make BCPS a rewarding workplace and a welcoming community. 

We value community building.  It is the goal and desire of the Burke BEST committee to ultimately see

• • Increased employee morale 
  • Increased productivity 
  • Increased positive employee commitment and loyalty 
  • Increased parent and community involvement
  • Increased student performance, and  
  • Decreased turnover and increased retention of highly effective faculty and staff

Burke County Public Schools, in conjunction with BCHS, is proud to announce the STAR Student and Teacher for 2022.  The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia's highest achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development.  The STAR Program is designed to recognize high school seniors with the highest SAT score in their graduating class and meet all the other program requirements.

STAR Student: Keegan McDonald

Parents: Maggie and Thomas McDonald

Keegan plans to attend the University of Georgia to pursue a major in computer science. In five years, Keegan hopes to be a major software developer. Keegan says, "I like creating things, so I think I would be satisfied working at a company that creates products that people can utilize and enjoy. I imagine that I could find a job at a place like that within a year of my graduation. If not, I might just make my own company! That would be an interesting experience."

When asked why Mr. Russell, Keegan couldn't help but boost on Mr. Russell's best attributes. "Mr. Russell always goes above and beyond to be helpful and supportive for his students. In my case, he has put in an effort that very few other teachers have to get to know me and help me with any projects he can. I once wrote an essay (for fun) about a silly debate, and he was willing to read over it, make comments, and give constructive criticism, despite being my chemistry teacher. He was happy to write me a letter of recommendation to college, and he even assisted me with answering one of these questions when I wasn't quite sure what to put (not this one, though; this one was easy). Certainly, he is one of the most helpful teachers I've had throughout my entire life."

Why his teaching and my learning styles click: "He brings a lot of energy to the classroom that helps keep me engaged. He always seems interested in the topics he's teaching, which also makes me interested in what I'm learning, regardless of the course content. When Mr. Russell is lecturing, I am undoubtedly invested in what he's saying, even if he gets a bit off-topic sometimes."

Congratulations, Keegan and Mr. Russell.  BCPS is proud of you!