Carrollton High School senior Eli Slappey’s outstanding academic achievement resulted in his selection as the 2025 STAR Student. With this recognition, the STAR Student selects a teacher to honor who has been influential in his or her academic career. Eli chose CHS science teacher Kristen Sabo as his STAR Teacher.
The STAR student award is presented to the graduating senior who posts the highest SAT score of his or her cohort and is in the top 10 percent of the class. Eli is the son of Dr. Greg Slappey and Mrs. Angie Slappey.
During a surprise classroom visit on Jan. 8, Eli, along with CHS Principal Ian Lyle, shared his announcement with Mrs. Sabo and celebrated this honor.
“Eli is a well-rounded, academically exceptional student. I look forward to witnessing all that he will accomplish,” Lyle said. “This is Mrs. Sabo’s second recognition as STAR Teacher, which is a testament to her passion for teaching and dedication to helping her students excel.”
When asked why Eli chose Sabo for this honor, Eli responded, “She always demonstrates a genuine dedication to her students’ success and well-being.” Sabo was his teacher for physics and chemistry classes, and Eli said that she made both subjects engaging while ensuring the students learned the material.
As a junior, he was named the Wofford Scholar Recipient and received the Presbyterian College Junior Fellows Award and the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit Award. Throughout his high school career, Eli maintained a rigorous academic schedule while balancing leadership roles in campus organizations and his athletic involvement. He said he looks forward to his upcoming senior track season.
Eli said he understands the significance of this accolade and notes the positive impact his teachers have had on his studies. He plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology starting this fall.
This is Sabo’s second year in a row being chosen for this honor. She is honored to have been chosen by Eli and notes her appreciation for his sharp sense of humor and ability to make everyone’s day brighter.
“I’ve watched Eli grow and mature into a wonderful young man,” said Sabo. “He is a leader for his class and respected by his peers.”
The pair now will compete at the region level with hopes of advancing to the state competition this spring. The STAR Student/Teacher program is sponsored locally by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.
