Our Vision A System of Excellence. Our Mission: Committed to excellence in education the Long Beach School District takes pride in nurturing the uniqueness of all student through active meaningful partnerships that prepare students to be successful in the global community..
A maroon background with scattered gold stars features a celebratory announcement. At the top, large white text reads “Congratulations.” Below it, white and black text says “2026 LBHS Star Student and Star Teacher.” Two framed portraits appear side by side. On the left is Dominic R. Rayner, a Long Beach High School senior, wearing a tuxedo. On the right is Mr. Michael Bond, a Long Beach High School teacher, wearing glasses and a suit. Centered at the bottom is the Long Beach School District logo with the tagline “A System of Excellence.”

LBHS Announces 2026 STAR Student and Teacher

Long Beach, MS – Long Beach High School is proud to announce Dominic R. Rayner as its 2026 STAR Student and Mr. Michael Bond as the school’s 2026 STAR Teacher. The STAR (Student–Teacher Achievement Recognition) program, sponsored by the Mississippi Economic Council’s M.B. Swayze Foundation, honors Mississippi’s highest-achieving seniors and the teachers who have most significantly influenced their academic success.

Dominic Rayner, age 17, earned the STAR distinction through his outstanding academic performance, leadership, and commitment to excellence. The son of Devan Rayner, Dominic has distinguished himself as a scholar with a clear vision for his future. Dominic plans to attend the University of Notre Dame, where he will major in mechanical engineering. His long-term goals include contributing to impactful research during his time at Notre Dame and ultimately pursuing a fulfilling career—ideally in the energy sector, where he hopes to make meaningful contributions to innovation and sustainability.

Reflecting on his time at Long Beach High School, Dominic shared deep appreciation for the teachers and staff who supported his journey. “Whether it was a letter of recommendation, criticism on an essay, or just someone to talk through my plans with, everyone here was more than willing to do whatever it took to get me to where I am today. Without the involvement of people like that, I don’t know where I’d be.”

Dominic selected Mr. Michael Bond, his math teacher, as his STAR Teacher, an honor reserved for the educator who has made the greatest impact on the STAR Student’s academic development.

Mr. Bond has taught Dominic for four semesters, from Algebra through Calculus, and has known him since his first day of ninth grade. He shared heartfelt reflections on Dominic’s intellectual curiosity and character:

“Every time that I talked to him, we would always have discussions about interesting things such as philosophy, music, and math. Each talking point he had was well-thought out, down to the finer details. To his credit, he had me stumped on more than one occasion. He has never ceased to amaze me—not only by picking up everything I taught almost instantly, but also by being able to have in-depth conversations with anyone, on any level.”

Mr. Bond emphasized that Dominic represents the true spirit of the STAR program:

“When Star Student comes to mind, one may think of a stellar academic record, but I want to emphasize that someone with a curious mind and an innate drive to learn their whole lives and challenge themselves is the epitome of a Star Student.”

He also reflected on his own path to education:

“I can confidently say as an engineering graduate that a career in education found me. I wouldn’t have realized my calling had it not been for my own teachers that inspired me, including my own Calculus STAR Teacher. To be able to wake up each morning, continue the cycle, and help the wonderful students at LBHS realize their potential is the ultimate reward.”

Long Beach High School congratulates Dominic Rayner and Mr. Michael Bond on these prestigious recognitions. Their achievements reflect the district’s commitment to academic excellence, meaningful relationships, and preparing students for bright futures.

A colorful flyer titled “Transition to Middle School Parent Meeting.” The design includes illustrated school items such as books, pencils, an apple, and a clock. The flyer invites parents and guardians of current 6th graders to an informational meeting about transitioning to Long Beach Middle School. It highlights key points: learn what to expect, meet staff, ask questions, and help students start middle school confidently. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. in the LBMS gym. A note at the bottom states that parents and guardians only should attend; students are not required.