NATCHEZ — Jheri Dupré Ogden left her mark on Trinity Episcopal Day School.

Ogden, 18, made it a personal goal to be a National Merit Finalist, Trinity high’s valedictorian and the STAR Student. She got all three.

“The day I walked into pre-school I knew I wanted to be the valedictorian one day,” Ogden said. “I guess I just have high personal standards.”

With a 33 on her ACT, Ogden scored the highest in her school and was named the STAR Student.

“Obviously the high ACT score was for college,” Ogden said. “Getting STAR Student was kind of a side effect — but I was relieved to get it.

“It was something I had wanted.”

To be eligible as a STAR Student, Ogden also had to maintain an A average in courses, specifically English, social science, math and science. Her GPA is approximately 4.35.

As STAR Student, Ogden was asked to name a STAR Teacher.

“When I got up at the awards service the other day, I hadn’t really thought it out,” Ogden said. “But one of the first things that came out of my mouth was I knew exactly who my STAR Teacher would be — Mrs. (Gwen) Young.”

“I could not have made it without her. She has been there for every scholarship essay and has been here for emotional support and encouragement.”

Young said it was a tremendous honor to be selected by Ogden as STAR Teacher.

“She is always respectful, especially with the material,” Young said. “She understands that learning is a building block to success — she is like a sponge.”

Young said Ogden’s drive is something special.

“Whatever she does, she does not see it as enough. There is always one more step,” she said. “That attitude is going to take her wherever she wants to go.”

Young said she enjoyed watching Ogden finally slow down a little during her senior year.

“She was finally able to relax and enjoy the fruits of her labor,” Young said. “Jheri had finally gotten to where she wanted to be, and it was nice to see her with the pressure off.”

Ogden, who wants to be a sports broadcaster for ESPN, said she has always appreciated Young’s support.

“She has helped me become a better writer — and that influenced my interest in that field,” Ogden said. “More than anything, though, she has always told me that I can go off and be whatever I want and what makes me happiest.”

Ogden will attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas.