During a recent government meeting, Chairman Mark White highlighted the significant progress of the STAR Academy program at Haywood County Middle School, which is designed to support at-risk students. White, alongside other officials, visited the academy to observe its operations and engage with both teachers and students, noting the positive impact the program has had on young learners.

The STAR Academy has been bolstered by a substantial $1,000,000 grant allocated in last year's budget, which will fund the initiative over the next three years. This financial support aims to assist students who have fallen behind in their education and are at risk of not graduating high school.

Representatives from the STAR Academy were invited to present their insights on the program's success and its strategies for helping these vulnerable students regain their footing academically. The meeting underscored the importance of such initiatives in fostering educational equity and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed.