Kylee Farley has been named STAR Student for the SHS Class of 2026, an honor awarded to the senior with the highest SAT score in a single sitting. As part of this recognition, the STAR Student selects a teacher who has most influenced their education. Farley chose Band Director Lindy Sikes.
Farley, daughter of Allen and Katrina Farley, serves as Drum Major for the Band of Gold and has been a part of the program throughout high school. She is also a member of the Spanish Club and Beta Club and regularly volunteers with the Swainsboro Jaycees. Farley takes honors-level courses and is a dual-enrollment student at Georgia Southern University's East Georgia Campus.
After graduation, Farley plans to attend college and major in music education, pursuing a career as a music teacher. She selected Mr. Sikes as her STAR Teacher in recognition of his influence.
Farley says Mr. Sikes encourages her to grow as both a musician and a person. She shares, “I've had his class every semester since freshman year and learn something new every day. I have learned to be self-motivated through practice, rather than relying on others to motivate me. Mr. Sikes is always talking about the importance of good character and leadership, not just in the classroom but in all parts of our lives. He cares about making a difference in his students' lives and is a fantastic teacher.”
Mr. Sikes is in his 28th year of music education. Originally from Santa Claus, Georgia, he attended Lyons Senior High School and served four years in the United States Navy as a jet mechanic. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Georgia Southern University in 1998. He lives in Lyons with his wife of 37 years, Kim. Outside of work, they enjoy family time, attending church, visiting the beach, and spending time with their chow chows, Riley and Sarabi.
Mr. Sikes recognized Farley’s potential as early as middle school. He shares, “I’ve gotten to watch her grow as a musician, a leader, a drum major, a respected peer of her bandmates, and into a young lady that I know will do great things in life. Obviously, she is very intelligent, but she is also a great person with a strong work ethic, and those qualities can only lead to success. I am extremely proud of Kylee, and I am humbled that she chose me to receive this honor. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”
