Walnut Grove STARs: Celebrating Student and Teacher Excellence

STAR student Carter Dillard's outstanding success reflects his years of hard work. STAR also celebrates STAR teacher, Mrs. Angie Head's, classroom dedication and guidance provided through the years. 
by Nevaeh Boyce and Rylee Watson

STAR Student: Carter Dillard
Senior Carter Dillard was selected based on his extraordinary academic performance, including receiving the highest SAT score at Walnut Grove in November and ranking in the top 10 percent of his graduating class. Carter was overjoyed when he heard the announcement. He expressed, “...it's a reminder that all my hard work isn't for nothing. More importantly, it also testifies to the hard work my parents, family, teachers, and mentors have poured into me to guide me towards my best self.”

Carter has countless people who have supported him; many of these mentors have been the biggest role models in his life. Regarding his drive, he noted, “...my biggest motivation, undoubtedly, is Jesus because I want to use my talents to the best of my ability to serve and honor Him. My family and friends definitely inspire me to keep working hard and reaching my goals because I want to be the best that I can for them.”

Student-athletes like Carter Dillard learn ways to balance school responsibilities and additional commitments. Carter prioritizes stability, dedication, and challenging himself. He shares, “It hasn't been easy juggling school, soccer, church, and other extracurriculars, but it has all been worth it since I've stayed in the top percent of my class, and I've learned plenty of lessons along the way.”

The hardest challenge Carter discovered was his own perspective—specifically, how his own thoughts could impact the outcome. “Your biggest enemy will always be your own mind, so don't put too much on yourself and find balance in all that you do,” shared Carter. Looking back, Carter is able to see the results of the diligence, commitment, and perseverance he applied through the years. As graduation approaches, Carter reminisces on past achievements: “In 10th grade, I took the SAT for the first time and got a 1410, and I took it three more times and got my score up to a 1490.”

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​STAR Teacher: Mrs. Angie Head
For Mrs. Head, “...this recognition is deeply meaningful because it comes directly from a student. In the teaching profession, there is no greater validation than knowing you have made a positive, lasting impact on a student's life and academic journey.”

When the 2026 STAR Teacher was announced, Mrs. Head felt “truly honored and proud that Carter selected me as his STAR Teacher.” In the classroom, Ms. Head focuses on helping students grow their skills and learn from mistakes. Her teaching style is described as “...a supportive, collaborative, and engaging environment where students feel comfortable to discuss their ideas and to answer questions. I believe that for students to truly learn, they must feel safe enough to take risks and occasionally fail.”

She encourages taking risks. “My classroom is a place where mistakes are valued as a natural and necessary part of the learning process,” shared Mrs. Head. Being chosen meant a lot to her: “In my career as an educator, I believe being chosen by a student for this recognition is the highest honor one can receive,” expressed Mrs. Head. As a young girl, Ms. Head was drawn to education, specifically becoming a math teacher. “What inspired me to become a teacher was a combination of my own love for mathematics and the influence of several incredible educators who shaped my journey,” Mrs. Head stated.

Walnut Grove High School is honored to announce STAR Student Carter Dillard and his chosen STAR Teacher, Mrs. Head, recognizing Carter’s hard work and dedication alongside Mrs. Head’s impact on her students.

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