NATCHEZ — When she starts something, Adams County Christian School senior Marlee Wadsworth likes to finish strong.

With an ACT score of 27, Wadsworth scored higher than any other student in her school and was named ACCS’s STAR Student.

“I had known I was in the running for STAR Student last year, so I tried hard to have the best score on the ACT so I could be the best,” Wadsworth said. “It was exciting to find out I got it.”

Wadsworth also maintained a GPA just under 4.0. When she finished last year with a 3.9, she set a goal of making all As her senior year, and she accomplished that goal.

To be eligible as a STAR Student, Wadsworth had to make an A average in courses including English and science.

“I guess I am just that kind of person, when I start something I like to finish it well,” she said. “I had a B in physics at Christmas, so I had to work hard to pull it up to an A.”

As STAR Student, Wadsworth was also eligible to select her STAR Teacher, and she selected her science teacher, Nicki Freeman.

“It was hard picking a teacher because I have a lot of good teachers this year,” Wadsworth said. “But Mrs. Freeman teaches my favorite classes, and I was her student aid.”

Freeman said being selected as Wadsworth’s STAR Teacher meant a lot to her.

“I respect Marlee so much as a student, and she is a really good person,” Freeman said. “She has so much potential — she is just the best kid ever.”

Wadsworth said her favorite teacher’s aid moment was when Freeman left her something to eat instead of something to do.

“Sometimes, she left me notes of things to do, like copy this and staple these,” Wadsworth said. “One time, she left a note saying, ‘Marlee, eat these cookies.’

“That was the best note ever.”

Wadsworth also enjoyed Freeman’s biology labs.

“Last year, we dissected pigs and that was interesting,” Wadsworth said. “This year, we are dissecting sharks and that is interesting — and smelly.”

Wadsworth was also the cheerleading captain and played basketball for the district 5-AA winning Lady Rebels.

“Basketball started right after football and away games would put us coming back at 11 p.m. — it was hard to keep my grades up,” Wadsworth said. “I guess I just studied when I could, on the bus ride and sometimes doing my homework late at night.”

Wadsworth said leaving ACCS was bittersweet.

“It is exciting to start a new chapter in my life but sad to leave everyone I have known since kindergarten.”

Wadsworth has earned a scholarship to Mississippi State University, where she will major in biological engineering.