Albany Area Chamber honors STAR Students and Teachers at 68th Annual Recognition Luncheon
Dougherty County Star Student Named: Alyia Nurbhai of Deerfield-Windsor School
ALBANY, GA – Nearly 100 community leaders, educators, family members, and supporters gathered on Friday for the 68th Annual Dougherty County STAR Student and Teacher Luncheon, hosted by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by U-Save-It Pharmacy.
The annual event celebrates Dougherty County’s highest-achieving graduating seniors and the teachers who have made the greatest impact on their academic journeys through the statewide Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program.
“This luncheon is one of our most meaningful traditions,” said Adam Hutchins, Chair of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. “These STAR Students represent the very best of our future—bright, driven young leaders who are already setting the standard for excellence in our community. We are equally proud to honor the teachers who have helped guide them every step of the way.”
The Chamber was proud to recognize Alyia Nurbhai of Deerfield-Windsor School as the 2026 Dougherty County STAR Student. She selected Jessica Carr as her STAR Teacher. Nurbhai will advance to represent Dougherty County at the Regional STAR Competition in Donalsonville this March.
“As a sponsor, we believe deeply in investing in students and educators,” said Tommy Sharp of U-Save-It Pharmacy, presenting sponsor of the luncheon. “Today’s STAR Students remind us what’s possible when talent meets hard work—and when great teachers help students shine. It’s an honor to celebrate them.”
Each STAR Student and STAR Teacher was formally recognized during the luncheon. Local school administrators also offered remarks in celebration of student achievement and the importance of education in shaping Southwest Georgia’s future workforce.
The STAR program remains one of Georgia’s most prestigious academic recognitions and reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to talent development and student success.
“As we celebrate these students today, we are truly celebrating the future of Albany,” said Matt Reed, President and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. “These young leaders—and the educators who have shaped them—represent the promise, potential, and prosperity of Southwest Georgia. We are proud of each of them, and we look forward to watching them continue to achieve great things.”
2026 Dougherty County STAR Students and Teachers Honored
The Albany Area Chamber recognized the following STAR Students and their selected STAR Teachers:
- Kate Orme, Westover Comprehensive High School
STAR Teacher: Angela Warren
- Alyia Nurbhai, Deerfield-Windsor School
STAR Teacher: Jessica Carr
- Kendall Benjamin Tyler Trent, Monroe Comprehensive High School
STAR Teacher: Lawrence Green
- Brody Thomas Brown, Sherwood Christian Academy
STAR Teacher: Dawne Beck
- Treasure W. Olabisi-Ojo, Byne Christian School
STAR Teacher: Ashley Reynolds
- Lauren Aaliyah Salter, Dougherty Comprehensive High School
STAR Teacher: Derrick Battle (Lincoln Elementary Magnet School)
This prestigious honor celebrates outstanding academic achievement and the educators who make a lasting impact through their guidance, support, and dedication. We are proud of these exceptional students for their hard work and grateful for the teachers who continue to inspire excellence in and beyond the classroom.
Copyright 2026 South Georgia News. All rights reserved.
