CHS Senior Stevens Awarded STAR Student

Corinth High School senior Braxton Stevens was named a 2026 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 in Mississippi. Both ACT scores and scholastic averages are compared to determine a school’s STAR Student. 

“I am honored to have the chance to be named STAR Student, and I will assuredly use this scholarship to assist me in the coming years,” said Braxton. “It is my honor to represent Corinth High School in this manner, and I will carry it with the highest regard.”

In the fall, Braxton is attending Mississippi College in the Honors College cohort and majoring in biology on a pre-medicine track. 

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. Braxton chose Mrs. Melanie Walker, math teacher at Corinth High School. 

“Braxton is an outstanding student-leader,” said Mrs. Walker. “He exemplifies character, integrity, and intellect in and out of the classroom. I am proud of his accomplishments and honored to be selected by him for STAR Teacher.”

According to Braxton, “Although my time at Corinth has been rather short, Mrs. Walker was one of the teachers that I had made a connection with from the very start. Not only did she challenge me and prepare me for college and the ACT, but she established a real connection with my peers and I that transcends the classroom. She has always been supportive of me, and has therefore held a tremendous impact during my time in Corinth.”

During his time at CHS, Braxton received the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma with merit. He was also received the College Board National Recognition Program for Outstanding Academic Achievement (Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award). Additionally, he is a 2025 Commended National Merit Scholar and a 2025 Coke Semifinalist Scholar. He was named to the Corinth High School Hall of Fame and received a 2025 Rotary Star Student award. Braxton was also the Lindy Callahan Scholarship School Representative (academic and athletic). 

Braxton is also a three-sport varsity athlete, competing in soccer, cross country and track. He was the soccer captain in 2024 and 2025 and the team won the North Half Championship Runner-up in 2025. In cross country, he received the team State Runner-up, the individual State Runner-up, the individual All-State Award and the Rhett Robinson Award. In track, he was the team State Champions, the individual State Champion in 3200m, the team 3rd place State Champion in 2024 and he set the school record for the 3200mm at 10:18. 

Additionally, Braxton is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the National Honors Society, the National Society of High School Scholars, the C-Club, the Interact Club, the Environmental Club, the Science Club, the Key Club, Mu Alpha Theta, the Pep Club, FCA, the Alcorn County Junior Civitans and the CHS Science Bowl Team. Braxton was also the 2025-26 Student Council President. He has completed over 630 community service hours, including volunteering at Oakland Baptist Church for multi-campus setup and VBS as well as multiple service opportunities around Corinth. 

“My favorite part about CHS was the community that embraced and welcomed me when I moved here during sophomore year,” said Braxton. “The people are the reason I'm where I am today, and I never would have been able to start the Volleyball Tournament or serve as the Student Council President without their support!”

Congratulations, Braxton, on being named 2026 STAR Student!