2025 STAR Student and Teacher

Murphree and Ratliff Awarded STAR Student and Teacher
By Laine Williams

Corinth High School senior Wyatt Murphree was named a 2025 STAR Student, an academic achievement honor given by the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) M.B. Swayze Foundation, sponsor of the Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition Program (STAR). 

Established in 1965, the STAR program recognizes outstanding students and teachers in Mississippi. Both ACT scores and scholastic averages are compared to determine a school’s STAR Student. 

“I am very honored to receive this award. It feels great knowing that all the time I spent studying paid off,” said Wyatt. “I feel proud to be a part of such an academically strong class, where every student pushes each other to excel. My peers are the main reason I have done well academically.”

Wyatt is attending Mississippi State University in the Honors College and majoring in biomedical engineering with a pre-dental emphasis. He plans to go into oral maxillofacial surgery.

Six hundred STAR students across Mississippi were recognized during a luncheon in Pearl, MS, in April. Each STAR Student received a medallion, lapel pin and a certificate of achievement. 

Each STAR Student is asked to designate a STAR Teacher—the teacher who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement. Wyatt chose Mr. Ben Ratliff, band director at CHS. 

“Wyatt is an extremely hard-working and well-rounded student. He is successful at everything he does,” said Ratliff. “He made the Lions All-State Band for two years, earned state championships with cross country and track, and earned many academic accolades. He does anything I ask of him and always goes above and beyond. He is a true leader in our band program and a true leader throughout the school. I look forward to seeing his continued success!”

According to Wyatt, “Mr. Ratliff has been my teacher for six years. During this time, he’s taught me a lot about music, one of my greatest passions. I think the single biggest impact he’s had on me would be encouraging me to try out for my first honor band. At this honor band, I was surrounded by people far better than myself, and I realized just how hard I’d have to work to reach their level. He also encouraged me to try out for the Spirit of Atlanta Drum Corps, which had one of the single biggest impacts on my musical career. I don’t think I’d be where I am musically without him giving me that first push to put myself out there.”

During his time at CHS, Wyatt received the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma with merit. He was also a National Merit Finalist with a composite ACT score of 35. He ran cross country and track for six years, with cross country winning state three times. He also made state his junior and senior years in the 110m hurdles for track. Wyatt played trombone and euphonium for seven years in the CHS band and was the brass and band captain for three years. For four years, he has played with the Oakland Baptist Church Orchestra and performed with the Corinth Music Club. In 2023 and 2024, he made the Mississippi Lions All-State Band. He marched with the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corporation, competing at a world-class marching band level. Additionally, he attended and participated in MS Bandmasters Clinic (2023, 2024); MSU Marching Honor Band (2022, 2023, 2024); MSU Honor Band Clinic (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025); MSU Honor Wind Symphony (2024, 2025); Ole Miss Honor band (2024, 2025); NEMBDA Honor Band Clinic (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025); NEMBDA Honor Jazz Band Clinic (2022, 2025). He completed over 100 community service hours, helping with community service projects, volunteering at food pantries, and helping run various school events.

“My favorite part of my time at CHS has been the supportive people I’ve been surrounded with,” said Wyatt. “The band, cross country, and track teams have given me some of the closest friendships I have, and I’m very appreciative of that.”

Congratulations, Wyatt and Mr. Ratliff on being named 2025 STAR Student and Teacher!