2023 STAR Student

PILLOW ACADEMY 2023 STAR STUDENT AND STAR TEACHER

Wells Wilson has been named STAR Student for the 2022-2023 school year by the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) M. B. Swayze Foundation.  Star Students are selected on the basis of academic excellence.  Both American College Test scores and scholastic averages are compared to determine the school’s STAR Student.  Each STAR Student is then asked to designate a STAR Teacher, the teacher who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievements. 

Wells is the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Wilson of Greenwood. He scored 34 out of a possible 36 on the ACT. Over the past 4 years, his cumulative GPA is 4.756. While at Pillow, Wells has taken honors classes, advanced classes, and AP classes. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, and he has consistently been on the Headmaster’s List.  Wells is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, which is an honorary mathematics organization. He is a member of the Model Security Council, Quiz Bowl Team, Science Club, Spanish Club, and Robotics/Engineering class. In Key Club, Wells is the class representative. Wells played football and soccer at Pillow. Earlier this year, he was a key member of the boys 2023 Champion Soccer team, and he was selected as an MAIS Soccer All-Star.

Besides academics and other school activities, Wells is very active at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity He has also volunteered to help with the local canned food drive, Relay for Life, and the Greenwood Interfaith Ministries Community Kitchen.

Wells plans to attend the University of Mississippi in the fall. He is considering pre-med as his major.

Wells has chosen Mr. Charlie Staten as his STAR Teacher.  Wells selected Mr. Staten because he has had a great influence shaping his in academic career.  Mr. Staten encourages all of his students. He doesn’t just teach from a book, but he teaches so that his students understand the material. Moreover, Mr. Staten just enjoys teaching!  While at Pillow, Mr. Staten has taught Algebra II, Honors, Algebra II, Algebra III, Honors Advanced Math, and AP Calculus. He has been at PA for 22 years and he is completing his 51^st year in education.  Mr. Staten was honored to have been selected as the 2023 STAR teacher. He is very proud of Wells saying that Wells has a sharp mind – with his work ethic, the future has no limits!

The Pillow Academy senior will be honored during the annual Education Celebration on April 13, 2023, at the Clyde Muse Center in Pearl, MS.  The Education Celebration highlights include recognition of STAR Students and STAR Teachers from across the state and the announcement of scholarships by colleges and universities awarded to the Mississippi’s STAR Students.

Congratulations to Wells and Mr. Staten - Pillow Academy is proud of each of you.