Congrats to Jennifer Tu! - LOUISIANA HONORS 2012 STUDENTS OF THE YEAR
Minh Nguyen
Begin forwarded message:
From: Louisiana Department of Education <ladep...@la.gov>
Date: April 18, 2012 7:31:11 PM CDT
To: minhn...@vayla-no.org
Subject: LOUISIANA HONORS 2012 STUDENTS OF THE YEAR
Reply-To: ladep...@la.gov
Louisiana Department of Education
Post Office Box 94064 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9064 | 1-877-453-2721 | Fax: (225) 342-0193
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 04/18/2012
Contact: Rene' Greer, (225) 342-3600, Fax: (225) 342-0193
LOUISIANA HONORS 2012 STUDENTS OF THE YEAR
BATON ROUGE, La. - Educators, families, and communities across Louisiana work daily to foster the potential of Louisiana's children. Tonight, state education leaders announced Louisiana's 2012 Student of the Year winners and honored 18 regional finalists for the coveted award. State education leaders say these students are a testament to Louisiana's relentless commitment to its children and the promise of our next generation.
"We believe in the unlimited potential of our students, and these students are proof that our belief is not just an ideal, but a reality," State Superintendent of Education John White said. "We want to congratulate these students for their academic accomplishments, demonstrated leadership abilities, and service to their communities. And we commend their families, teachers, and school communities for recognizing and inspiring them to set and achieve extraordinary goals."
Each year, Louisiana recognizes extraordinary students through the Student of the Year awards program. Students are selected based on criteria that measure academic achievement, leadership skills, character and service to their schools and communities. The 18 regional finalists include one 5th grade, 8th grade, and 12th grade student from six regions and represent public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools across Louisiana.
"This event highlights the extraordinary capabilities of not only these students, but all our students," Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Penny Dastugue said. "These students reaffirm our faith that Louisiana's future is indeed in very capable hands."
Louisiana's 2012 Students of the Year are as follows:
Elementary School - Fifth Grade
Georgia Hilburn of South Highlands Magnet Elementary School in Caddo Parish. Georgia is a straight A student and a participant in the Duke Talent Identification Program, a nationally-recognized program designed to help academically gifted and talented students achieve their full potential. She is an avid reader and aspiring poet, receiving an Award of Merit in the Caddo Parish Parent Teacher Association's Intermediate Reflections Literature competition and winning her school's 2011 D.A.R.E Essay Contest. Georgia served as a student council representative and Volunteer Peer Helper at her school. She is active in the community, holding a rummage sale for flood victims and raising money for St. Jude. In addition, Georgia is a champion athlete, winning the IronFish Kids Triathlon in her age division. Ms. Mary Harris is her principal and Dr. Gerald Dawkins is her district school superintendent.
Middle School - Eighth Grade
Samhita Rao of Glasgow Middle School in East Baton Rouge Parish. Samhita is on the A Honor Roll and a participant in the Duke Talent Identification Program. In 2011, she won first place at social studies and science fairs at both the school and regional levels. In addition, she was honored with the Naval Research Award at the regional science fair. During the 2011 Youth Legislature, Samhita was selected as Speaker of the House and has also served as a Grade Level Ambassador for Glasgow Middle School. Samhita is Vice President of the Builders' Club and a member of 4-H. In her community, she gives East Indian Classical dance and vocal lessons to help stay in touch with her heritage. Samhita sings first alto in the Glasgow Middle Chorus, is part of the All East Baton Rouge Parish Chorus, and was selected to the All State Children's Chorus the last three years. She is also an accomplished pianist, winning first place in the Louisiana Music Teachers Association Piano Concerto Competition. Ms. Dianne Talbot is her principal and Mr. Carlos Sam is her interim district school superintendent.
High School - Twelfth Grade
Jennifer Tu of Benjamin Franklin High School in Orleans Parish. Jennifer is a National Advanced Placement Scholar receiving Best in Course awards for English, Chemistry, Calculus, Free Enterprise, and Human Geography. In addition, she is a National Merit Semifinalist and one of 12 students in the nation selected for the prestigious Bezos Scholars Program which cultivates the next generation of leaders through year-long leadership development opportunities by the Aspen Institute. Jennifer was selected by the Louisiana Legislative Women's Caucus as their 2012 High School Woman of Excellence. She also serves as the Public Relations Officer for Amnesty International and the National Honors Society at Benjamin Franklin High School. She is a talented pianist who founded the Young Pianist Club at her high school. She is also a winner of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Music Award. In the community, Jennifer is founder and student CEO of the group Generation to Generations, a group that celebrates the elderly and helps them leave their legacy. Mr. Timothy Rusnak is her principal and Dr. Darryl Kilbert is her district school superintendent.
The process for selecting the winners begins at the school level. All public and approved nonpublic elementary, middle, and high schools across the state are asked to submit one candidate from 5th, 8th, or 12th grade, depending on the grade levels of the school. These students then compete with their peers at the district level and may advance to the regional competitions, where Regional Finalists are chosen.
Each finalist then submits a portfolio and completes a written composition the day of the awards. The selection committee also interviews the finalists to evaluate their communication and critical-thinking skills. Each of the Student of the Year winners and regional finalists received a check, donated by the Entergy Corporation.
For a complete list of the 2012 Regional Finalists, please click here.
Louisiana Department of Education | 1201 N. Third Street | Baton Rouge | LA | 70804