Each year, high school seniors compete for the chance to be called stars - and possibly land some cash for college.

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition program honors students with top SAT scores and grades. The students then pick a teacher they feel has had a big influence on them.

Gainesville High School student Taylor Hall was named systemwide STAR student for Gainesville. Flowery Branch High School student Jake Jacob will represent Hall County. They will compete March 24 in Jasper for regional STAR student and teacher honors.

TAYLOR HALL
Gainesville High School

The ability to hook an audience takes a charisma you're born with, according to Gainesville High School drama teacher Pam Ware.

"That's what I see in Taylor," she said of her 17-year-old student, Taylor Hall, a senior at Gainesville High School.

Read more about Taylor and his teacher.

JAKE JACOB
Flowery Branch High School

Jake Jacob, a 17-year-old Flowery Branch senior, not only scored a perfect 2,400 on the SAT last year, he earned perfect marks on the ACT as well. Jacob is a straight-A student and ranks No. 1 in his senior class. He also has a knack for the piano, Grindle noted.

"He's a Renaissance man and very self-motivated," said Joan Grindle, his STAR teacher.

Read more about Jake and his teacher.

Winners at other high schools in Hall County

Ten other local students were honored as schoolwide winners. Read their stories here.