NATCHEZ — Alyssa Stewart knew exactly what was required to become the top student at Cathedral High School; the senior had her sights set on the goal since her freshman year.

The Natchez native started her high school career hoping to receive the highest ACT score of her class.

Stewart accomplished her goal in December when she scored a 30 on the college preparatory test.

But two other students at the school also earned the same score meaning the competition for Cathedral’s STAR student came down to grade point averages.

Stewart knew from personal experience that maintaining a high GPA would eventually earn her the title she had in her sights since ninth grade.

“One of my sister’s friends was close to getting STAR student because she and someone else both got the same ACT score, but she got beat out because of her GPA,” Stewart said. “So that was always in the back of my mind, because I’ve wanted to get that award ever since I got in high school.”

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program honors one student per high school based on ACT score and academic achievement in the classroom. Stewart joins more than 280 students from around the state who have earned the title this year.

The Mississippi Economic Council sponsors the awards.

Stewart said she was excited and humbled to be awarded the title.

“It’s just a really big honor,” Stewart said. “Being at the top of my class is something I’ve been working toward for a long time.”

Stewart has taken the ACT three times since seventh grade and said standardized tests don’t worry or intimidate her.

“I didn’t really have to study for it all,” Stewart said. “I just had a lot of great teachers who have been preparing me throughout the years to take this test and do well on it.”

As STAR student, Stewart chose one teacher who had the greatest impact on her educational career as STAR teacher.

Stewart chose Cathedral teacher Ralph Loe, who has been teaching at Cathedral for 11 years.

This year marks Loe’s first time to be selected as STAR teacher.

“Usually when students express their appreciation to you it’s years after college when they come back and say, ‘We knew this because of you,’” Loe said. “So it’s always nice for someone to appreciate you while they’re still in school.”

Loe, who teaches American government, economics and government, said he wasn’t surprised to learn that Stewart had been selected STAR student.

“She’s a very bright student who picks up things very quickly,” Loe said. “She poses no challenge as a teacher, because she does pick things up so quickly.”

Stewart said she chose Loe as her STAR teacher because of his in-depth teaching style.

“He makes complex and difficult concepts simple, which I really like,” she said. “He just doesn’t sit there and read you the information, he gets involved with it and really makes sure you understand it.”

While Stewart said she enjoyed learning about government and economics in Loe’s class, the senior is planning on attending Louisiana State University in the fall to major in biology with the eventual plan to become a veterinarian.

“I love animals,” she said. “My family rescues dogs, and I’ve grown up around them and been taking care of them my whole life.”

Stewart is the daughter of James and the late Debbie Stewart of Natchez.