Today the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) released the names of 18 students selected as regional finalists in the state’s annual Student of the Year competition.  The 18 students selected include one 5th, 8th and 12th grader from each of the state’s six regions – and represent public and non-public elementary, middle and high schools across Louisiana. The finalists will convene at the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge on March 17 for an awards ceremony and the announcement of the three state Student of the Year winners.

“We are pleased to recognize these students as some of the best and brightest of our state and to honor them as 2010 Student of the Year regional finalists,” State Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek said. “Their personal commitment to academic excellence, community service and other interests are worthy of praise. On behalf of the Department, I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to each of the 18 finalists.”

All public schools, including charter schools, as well as approved non-public schools, were asked to submit one candidate from their student body.

Students compete with their peers at the district level, and may advance to the regional competitions. Students are selected based on criteria that measure academic achievement, leadership skills, character, and service to their schools and communities. Regional selection committees also use student-made portfolios of accomplishments, along with student writing samples and interviews to assess the communications and critical thinking skills of each candidate.

Prior to selecting the three state winners, the state selection committee will conduct interviews, as well as review a writing sample from each of the finalists.

“Being a finalist for the Louisiana 2010 Student of the Year competition is an outstanding honor and a true testament to each of these students’ extraordinary efforts in the classroom and beyond,” said Keith Guice, president of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. “We all are very proud of these students, who attend public and private schools statewide, and we wish them well in their future pursuits.”

The finalists are as follows:

Grade 4

• Leah Huber, Stockwell Place Elementary, Bossier Parish
• Ashlen Grace Cady, Kiroli Elementary School, Ouachita Parish
• Brittany Rose Collins, J.I Barron Elementary, Rapides Parish
• Kyle Andrew Sellers, Bains Elementary School, West Feliciana Parish
• Injee Hong, Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies, Jefferson Parish
• Nicholas Cassidy, Our Lady Immaculate School, Diocese of Lake Charles

Grade 8

• Elles Rock, Cope Middle School, Bossier Parish
• Mary Kate McEacharn, Delhi Charter, Richland Parish
• Benjamin Christopher Shallow, Elton High School, Jefferson Davis Parish
• Aaron Zachary Reed, Mandeville Junior High, St. Tammany Parish
• Eris Monique Stove, East Thibodaux Middle School, Lafourche Parish
• Gabrielle Marie Lessen, Holy Savior Menard Central High School, Diocese of Alexandria

Grade 12

• Andrew Murphy, Captain Shreve High School, Caddo Parish
• Jamie Lynn Robinson, Oak Grove High School, West Carroll Parish
• Daniel Lee Comeaux, Lafayette High School, Lafayette Parish
• Justin Bryant Schopp, Central High School, Central Community Schools
• Megan Ashley Alfonso, Chalmette High School, St. Bernard Parish
• Bonnie Joyce McLindon, St. Joseph’s Academy, Diocese of Baton Rouge