HHS grad earns leadership award

Courtesy photo

Lauren Smith

Lauren Hayley Smith, a recent Hahnville High School graduate, received the NASSP/Herff Jones Principal’s Leadership Award (PLA) where she was honored with a $1000 scholarship.

Smith was among 99 members of the Class of 2011 who were chosen from among 3,000 nominees across the country.

High school principals were invited to nominate a student leader on the basis of their leadership skills, participation in service organizations and clubs, achievements in the arts and sciences, employment experience, and academic record.

The nominees were also required to write an essay.

In recognizing leadership in co curricular activities—an essential part of the school curriculum—as well as academic performance, the PLA scholarship program values the importance of a well-rounded education.

“Lauren is an outstanding student and a great young lady,” said Ken Oertling, Hahnville High School principal. “It was an honor to nominate her for this award.

“She truly represents the definition of an HHS student ambassador.”

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and Herff Jones have awarded the PLA scholarships since 1988, providing more than $3.6 million in scholarships to outstanding students from across the nation.