You hear it all the time, how teamwork is the foundation for success. But it appears to be validated with the Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition program, which recently recognized a Picayune High School student for their success. The program also  asked the student to choose the teacher who had the biggest influence in that success.

Vickie Powell, with the M.B. Swayze Foundation, said Jackson B. Coole of Picayune High School has been chosen as the Student-Teacher Achievement Recognition Student of the 2013-2014 school year.

The STAR program offers scholarship opportunities for both students and teachers. The overall winner for the state of Mississippi will receive a $24,000 scholarship.

Powell said award selection is based on students maintaining a minimum 93 grade point average in their core classes as well as earning a minimum of 25 on their ACT. Once a student is selected, they select their STAR teacher. This is someone who has made the biggest impact on their academic success.

Coole chose Linda G. May, his family and consumer science teacher for the award.

Coole is active in soccer and swim teams, Beta Club, Student Council, National Honors Society and theater.

He plans to attend Pearl River Community College and pursue a degree in engineering.

It is nice to see that teamwork is being recognized in an educational environment where so much depends on the individual.