Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NATCHEZ — Carleigh Sproulls, an aspiring doctor, is this year’s recipient of the STAR Student award at Natchez High School.

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, which is sponsored by the Mississippi Economic Council M.B. Swayze Foundation, recognizes more than 330 high school seniors in the state based on their ACT score, grade point average and academic achievements.

Sproulls is currently ranked No. 1 in her class with a perfect grade point average of 4.3 and plans to study biological science at the University of Southern Mississippi before going to medical school.

“When I was younger, I remember going to visit USM and fell in love with the campus,” Sproulls said. “… I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. Someone asked me going through COVID-19 if I had changed my mind but if anything this experience has reassured me that is what I want to do.”

Each STAR Student is asked to choose the teacher who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement, and Sproulls selected Audrey Curry as her STAR Teacher.

Curry, who is Sproull’s Health Science Teacher, helped prepare her for her desired career in medicine, Sproulls said.

“I was able to learn a lot from her,” Sproulls said. “She helped me build the foundation I needed for the health profession and makes sure I’m doing everything I need to stay on track to reach my career goals.”

Sproulls is the pitcher on the fast-pitch softball team, president of the National Honor Society, president of the Mu Alpha Theta honor society, treasurer of the Student Government Association and is a member of the National Beta Club, Key Club, Mayor’s Youth Council and Health Occupation Students of America.

She is also a recipient of the Lucky Day scholarship for USM, a scholarship program that pays $6,000 per year and helps her to build leadership skills and connections with other Lucky Day scholars on campus.

She is the daughter of Toya Sproulls, Anonthy Heidelberg, the stepdaughter of Terri Heidelberg and the granddaughter of Mary Sproulls and James White.