Hurst student a finalist for state Student of the Year

The Louisiana Department of Education announced last week that Harry Hurst Middle School and St. Charles Parish Student of the Year, Cole Grieshop, has been selected as the Regional Student of the Year and is a finalist for the Louisiana Middle School Student of the Year.

"I am truly ecstatic that I have been chosen as the Regional Student of the Year," Grieshop said. "I credit this honor to my absolutely amazing teachers and the continuing support of my peers. I feel extremely grateful for this high honor and I hope to represent my region well at the state competition."

Principal Steven Guitterrez said that Grieshop is a model student.

"Cole is a well-rounded student. He is extremely insightful, kind and just a great young man," Guitterrez said. "We are so proud of him and are rooting for him."

Each year Louisiana recognizes extraordinary students through the Student of the Year awards program. The 18 regional finalists include one 5th grade, 8th grade and 12th grade student from six regions and represent public and non-public schools across Louisiana. The finalists and state winners for each of the three grades will be honored on April 18 during a ceremony in Baton Rouge.

"We want to congratulate these exemplary students, as well as their families, teachers, principals and districts," State Superintendent of Education John White said. "Through their academic success, community service, leadership, and character, these students are the best evidence of the promise of our next generation and reinforce the critical work that is taking place in our schools and classrooms each day."

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 portfolios of accomplishments created by each student, along with student writing samples and interviews, to assess the communication and critical-thinking skills of each candidate.

"This event, and the chance to highlight these remarkable students, has become one of the highlights of my year," Board of Elementary and Secondary Education President Penny Dastugue said. "These students are not only top-notch performers, but they remind us of the extraordinary capabilities of each of our children and inspire us to work even harder to ensure we give all our students the opportunity to reach their full potential through education."