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 gift sponsored by a Chamber Member business, professional, or organization. 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 gift certificate (also sponsored by a Chamber member), and his or her name is added to a Rising Stars Teacher Plaque displayed at their school.

There are two levels of sponsorship available:

The $50 student sponsorship will pay for the student's gift and your member name will be displayed alongside a student's name in the award program. Additionally, your member name will be featured in The Reporter.

The $100 student sponsorship will pay for the student's gift, award, lunch, your name alongside the student's in the award program, and your business's logo will be featured in The Reporter. Additionally, a special thank you will be given to these sponsors at the conclusion of the program.

We will be honoring 62 students this year. If your business or organization would like to be a sponsor for one or more students call the Chamber at (478) 994-9239.

This year's luncheon and awards ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 10, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. If you would like to sponsor a child you may do so by signing up online here or by contacting Jennifer by email at jennifer@forsyth-monroechamber.com or calling (478) 994-9239.