Marion County Middle/High School has named Dash Delong as STAR Student for the Class of 2026. Dash has chosen Mr. David Chapman as his STAR Teacher.
The PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s highest achieving high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development. Since its founding in 1958 by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the STAR program has recognized nearly 30,500 students and the educators they’ve selected to share in this prestigious recognition.
To be nominated, students must have the highest SAT score in their high school on a single test date taken through November of their senior year and rank in the top 10 percent or be one of the top 10 students in their class based on grade point average. SAT scores must meet or exceed the national average on the Evidence Based Reading and Writing and Math sections. Every accredited high school in Georgia is eligible to participate. Once selected, high school STAR Students are invited to choose their STAR Teachers, any Pre-K through 12th grade classroom teacher in good standing in an accredited Georgia public or private school, who continue alongside their students at every level of the recognition program.
Dash is the son of Eric and Casey Delong. He is an outstanding academic student with a strong interest in all aspects of STEM. In addition to STAR honors, Dash has been named an AP Scholar, earning a passing score on three or more AP tests. He also earned a Rural National Award from the College Board. He is a member of Senior Beta and Scholars Academy and participates in dual enrollment with Georgia Southwestern State University. He has been a member of the Flint Energies EMPOWER Leadership Program and the school literary team, where he placed 3rd in region in extemporaneous speaking. Dash has been honored as a recipient of the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit and the Presbyterian College Fellow award. He is also a member of the Eagle tennis team. After high school, Dash plans to enroll at either the Air Force Academy or Utah State University as part of their AFROTC program.
Mr. David Chapman retired from the Marion County School System in May of 2025. As a certified teacher and registered nurse, Mr. Chapman taught all aspects of science, including Honors Chemistry, Honors Physics, and Healthcare Science. He also served as a Senior class sponsor. In addition to his other vocations, Mr. Chapman is the longtime pastor of the neighboring New Providence Baptist Church. He and his wife, Dale, have three children and seven grandchildren.
Dash selected Mr. Chapman as his STAR teacher because Mr. Chapman shares Dash’s enthusiasm for science. Although Dash was intrigued by chemistry, his true passion is physics and engineering. In Honors Physics, Dash was able to apply his knowledge to hands-on, practical experiences. This solidified his desire to pursue engineering as a career. Dash states, “I chose Mr. Chapman because he always made sure his lessons were fun and engaging and that we really understood the material. He always made sure we were having a good day by telling us jokes and being positive even when he wasn’t having a good day. It was always a joy to be in his class for both the jokes and the science experiments.”
Congratulations to Dash Delong and Mr. David Chapman for their recognition as STAR Student and Teacher.