St. Charles Parish Students of the Year!

Lauren Hurst, Matthew Lewis and Kathryn Prendergast were chosen in their grade levels as parish-wide students of the year.

Students, parents, educators and other members of the St. Charles Parish community packed into a theater at AMC Elmwood 20 in Harahan last week for the annual Student of the Year awards.

When entering the theater, the attendees were greeted by large posters of the winners of the student of the year awards from each fifth, eighth and 12th grade class from all participating schools throughout the parish.

The crowd, munching on concessions provided by the school district, relaxed in front of the big screen as a video produced by the school system’s multi-media division highlighted each student of the year.

Students who won the awards for each of their schools were asked questions such as "what do you want to do when you grow up?" or "who is your favorite super hero?" Those answers provided cheers and sometimes laughter from the audience.

After each student had been introduced via the video to the crowd, superintendent Dr. Rodney Lafon spoke about the students and how they contributed to their schools and the community as a whole.

Each school nominated one student in grades 5, 8 and 12 to compete at the district level as St. Charles Parish Student of the Year. Students at each grade level were judged by a panel that included a teacher, an administrator and a community representative. To qualify, students had to submit a portfolio of information, including a biography, a list of recognitions and awards and a list of activities in which they are involved.

The students below chosen in their grade levels as parish-wide students of the year and will move on to the regional level to match up against students from other districts.

Lauren Hurst - 5th Grade -  Ethel Schoeffner Elementary

Lauren Hurst was named the elementary student of the year award. She is the daughter of Melissa and Keenan Hurst and is a Destrehan resident.

Hurst plays basketball, volleyball and softball. She has received recognition as a Mudbug Mentor, science fair honorable mention, maintained principal’s list standing for all four quarters in third and fourth grades, is a gifted education participant, member of the New Sarpy choir, gifted math competition participant, LEAP advanced math participant and received first place in the destination imagination state tournament.

Hurst would like to be a WNBA professional basketball player.

Matthew Lewis - 8th Grade - Harry Hurst Middle School

Matthew Lewis was named the middle school student of the year award. He is the son of Karen and Gary Lewis of Destrehan.

Lewis plays soccer, is on the track team and competes with the Cypress Lakes swim team in the summer. He also likes to play music and act.

The Harry Hurst student is active in numerous organizations including Boy Scouts, Junior Beta Club, St. Charles Parish Library Teen Advisory Group, Student Council, Order of the Arrow, theater, school chorus, Abbey Youth Fest and the Red Church Fair.

Lewis would like to pursue a career in medicine or research and development.

Kathryn Prendergast - 12th Grade - Hahnville High School

Kathryn Prendergast was named the high school student of the year. She is the daughter of Allison and Michael Prendergast.

Prendergast enjoys theatre, dance, dance medicine and speaking Spanish. She is involved in National Honor Society, Talented Theatre, Louisiana Girls State, Beta Club, Dance Unlimited of River Parishes, Kick Off Mentors and is a math tutor.

She has numerous awards and has already been offered a full scholarship to the University of Alabama in addition to a partial scholarship at the University of Memphis.

Prendergast would like to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and become a physical therapist for performing artists.

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The following students were selected as students of the year for their schools.

Camryn Mikesell - 8th Grade - J.B. Martin Middle School

• Scored a 25 on the ACT as a 7th grader• Cheerleader
• Wants to do something with math in the future, possibly a math teacher

Cara Ursin - 8th Grade - Albert Cammon Middle School

• Perfect Attendance
• Most Valuable Player and Sportsmanship Awards Winner
• Anticipates becoming a WNBA player and a life coach

Chance McGee - 5th Grade - Lakewood Elementary School

• Chosen as Most Courageous 4th Grader
• Takes modeling and acting classes
• Would like to be a dentist and/or orthodontist

Dillion Hutson - 12th Grade - Destrehan High School

• Quiz Bowl Captain
• Carries a 4.0 GPA
• Member of the DHS cross country team
• Goal of becoming a Biomedical Engineer

Grifyn Johnson - 5th Grade - Norco Elementary School  

• Participates in sports as a swimmer
• Student assistant for a kindergarten class
• Would like to be a veterinarian, lawyer or a doctor

Aaliyah Jones - 5th Grade - Luling Elementary School

• Singer and saxophone player
• Likes to write and spend time with family
• Plans to become a lawyer so she can help others and travel to different countries

Lauren Shavor - 5th Grade - St. Rose Elementary School

• Girl scout
• Down Syndrome Buddy Walk Participant
• Wants to be in the Peace Corps and become a pediatrician

Madison Johnson - 5th Grade - R.J. Vial Elementary School

• Competes rodeo horse barrle racing
• 4-H secretary
• Would like to become a veterinarian, "animal cop" or dog groomer

James Reagan - 8th Grade - R.K. Smith Middle School

• St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Camp attendee
• Baseball Player
• Singer
• Would like to become a veterinarian or a lawyer