Marie Fujita-Block was chosen as Carrollton High School’s 2026 STAR Student. She chose Jennifer Sewell as her STAR Teacher. The honorees pose after receiving their certificates with CHS Assistant Principal Heather Elliott and Principal Ian Lyle.
Carrollton High School senior Marie Fujita-Block’s outstanding academic achievement resulted in her selection as the 2026 STAR Student. As part of this recognition, the STAR Student selects a teacher to honor who has been influential in his or her academic career. Marie chose CHS science teacher Jennifer Sewell as her 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. Marie is the daughter of Mr. Phillip Block and Dr. Megumi Fujita.
During a surprise classroom visit on Jan. 15, Marie, along with CHS Principal Ian Lyle, shared her announcement with Sewell and celebrated this honor.
“Marie is an incredibly accomplished student who consistently raises the bar in her studies. I look forward to witnessing all of the ways that she will continue to be successful in the future,” Lyle said. “Mrs. Sewell is an educator who is devoted to giving her best to her students, and being chosen as STAR Teacher is a testament to her passion for teaching and mentorship.”
Marie said she chose Sewell for her intentionality and kindness, always making the extra effort to connect with her about her interests by sending her scientific articles about a topic they discussed or following up with her about a dance performance.
“Her classes [AP Biology and AP Environmental Science] were extremely important to developing my passion for the wonder of life and the environment,” said Marie. “She has been so encouraging in multiple facets of my high school life, from college applications to music. I’m so grateful that I got to take her class and continue to appreciate the care she continues to show me even now.”
As a junior, Marie was named the Wofford Scholar Recipient and received the Presbyterian College Junior Fellows Award and the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit Award.
Throughout her years at Carrollton City Schools, she has excelled in her academic and creative pursuits. Marie is a dedicated member of the Carrollton High School band program while balancing a rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) course schedule and her hobbies outside of school, dance, and photography. This fall, she was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Merit Commended Student.
Sharing an appreciation for creativity and science, Sewell said she is honored to have been chosen by Marie.
“She is a young woman who is truly passionate about learning, pays incredible attention to detail, and finds joy in studying the smallest parts of systems,” Sewell said. “Marie is inspiring, knowledgeable, and highly respected by her peers and the teachers at Carrollton High School.”
The pair will now compete at the regional level with hopes of advancing to the state competition this spring. The STAR Student/Teacher program is sponsored by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.
