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State Students of the Year Finalists Announced by Louisiana Department of Education

Finalists include one elementary, middle, and high school student from each of Louisiana’s seven regions, as well as students from traditional public, public charter, and nonpublic schools.

Louisiana – On March 7, 2022, The Louisiana Department of Education announced the names of 21 students who had been chosen as finalists in the state’s annual Students of the Year competition. One elementary, middle, and high school student from each of the state’s seven regions is among the 21 students chosen. The finalists are from traditional public schools, public charter schools, and nonpublic schools. The finalists will take part in an awards ceremony on April 13, when the winners for each grade level will be announced.

“I’m proud of each of these students and honored to have them represent us as Louisiana Student of the Year finalists,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley.

Public and nonpublic schools were each asked to nominate one student from their student body.

Students compete against their peers at the school system level and have the opportunity to advance to regional competitions. Students are chosen based on their academic performance, leadership abilities, character, and service to their schools and communities. Regional selection committees also use electronic portfolios of accomplishments, as well as student writing samples and interviews, to evaluate each candidate’s communication and critical thinking skills.

The state selection committee will conduct interviews and review portfolios and writing samples from each finalist before deciding on the three state winners.

The names, schools, and parishes of the finalists are as follows.

Elementary School (Grade 5)

Eden Trainor, Eden Gardens Fundamental Elementary Magnet School, Caddo Parish
Ellen Semmes, Kiroli Elementary, Ouachita Parish
Steely Jordan, South Beauregard Upper Elementary, Beauregard Parish
Adeline Guidry, Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School, East Baton Rouge Parish
Ramy Dali, Lacoste Elementary School, St. Bernard Parish
Harrison Tarver, Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School, Diocese of Shreveport
Jayden Gardere, Lusher Charter School, Advocates for Arts-Based Education Corporation, NOLA Public Schools

Middle School (Grade 8)

Melissa Le, A.E. Phillips Laboratory School, Lincoln Parish
Elliana Sheppard, East Ouachita Middle School, Ouachita Parish
Jeremy Diaz, Belle Place Middle School, Iberia Parish
Ava Guillory, Monteleone Junior High School, St. Tammany Parish
Hannah Wen, Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, Jefferson Parish
Elizabeth “Ellie” Franks, Saint Joseph Catholic School, Diocese of Shreveport
Richard “Ben” Blevins, Lusher Charter School, Advocates for Arts-Based Education Corporation, NOLA Public Schools

High School (Grade 12)

Olutunmike Adeleye, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts
Zachary Johnson, West Monroe High School, Ouachita Parish
Alonnie Celestine, Alfred M. Barbe High School, Calcasieu Parish
Elise Strain, Fontainebleau High School, St. Tammany Parish
Allie Johnson, Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy, Jefferson Parish
Lorraine Steigner, Mount Carmel Academy, Archdiocese of New Orleans
Anita Zahiri, Benjamin Franklin High School, Advocates for Academic Excellence in Education, NOLA Public Schools

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