Fostering and maintaining educational excellence in Monroe County has always been a focus of the Forsyth-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber recognizes students in the middle school grades from both Monroe County Middle Schools who have maintained all A's on their report cards throughout the school year.

Over ten years ago, in an effort to recognize academic excellence and encourage students at the beginning of their academic careers to strive to be all that they can be, the Rising Stars Recognition Program was born. Students are treated to a luncheon at a local restaurant away from school, and they each receive a certificate of achievement and a $100 savings bond sponsored by a Chamber Member business. At the luncheon, each student is allowed to nominate a teacher who has contributed the most to their personal and academic development thus far. The teacher receiving the most nominations from each school is then recognized at the school's Honors Day program. Each of the two teachers also receives a certificate of recognition and a $100 (also sponsored by a member business), and his or her name is added to a Rising Stars Teacher Plaque displayed at their school.

Click here to view the 2011 Rising Star Students and their sponsors.