High school senior Jennifer Usnik is this year’s shining star for Adams County Christian School. Because of her grades and her ACT scores, Usnik has been named the school’s STAR student for the Class of 2000.

&uot;I knew I had a good chance,&uot; Usnik said of the honor. &uot;I was surprised. I was kind of hoping.&uot;

Each year, each high school selects its senior with the highest ACT score as the STAR student. Usnik earned a 29, tying with several other students.

Because of the tie, the naming of the STAR came down to GPAs, Usnik said.

The STAR student then selects a STAR teacher for the year. Usnik chose Nicki Freeman, her tennis coach and former science teacher. &uot;I love Mrs. Freeman,&uot; Usnik said. &uot;As far as teaching, she’s one of the best teachers here.&uot;

Usnik describes Freeman’s general biology class as difficult but worthwhile.

&uot;When you leave this class you know what you’re talking about,&uot; Usnik said. &uot;I remember going home nights and being so scared of her tests.&uot;

Freeman praised Usnik for her strong work ethic. &uot;She’s one of those 110-percent people in the classroom or the tennis court,&uot; Freeman said. &uot;Everything she does is high quality.&uot;

Usnik is considering attending Bellhaven College in Jackson and majoring in computer science.

&uot;I loved working with computers ever since I was little,&uot; she said.

Her advice to high school students is to get involved early in school activities. &uot;I look back now and I feel there were a lot of opportunities there, that I didn’t take,&uot; she said. &uot;Ninth grade year you’ve got to start getting involved in a lot of things.&uot;