Brynlee Perez, a fifth grader at Norco Elementary School, was one of only 24 finalists in the state selected for the 2025 Louisiana Students of the Year competition.
The finalists include one fifth, eight, and 12th grader from each of the state’s eight Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) regions. Perez will represent region 2 in the competition, which recognizes outstanding students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, service, citizenship, and academic or technical achievement.
The finalists will meet May 16 at The Cook Hotel and Conference Center in Baton Rouge for an awards ceremony and the announcement of the Louisiana Students of the Year winners for elementary, middle and high school.
Perez was named Norco Elementary’s Student of the Year in October before winning the title at the parish level in November. On Feb. 25, Superintendent Dr. Ken Oertling and Norco Elementary School Principal Shannon Diodene surprised Perez with the news of her regional win.
“I was astonished that out of all the fifth-grade students in Louisiana, I was one of eight kids that got selected,” Perez said. “My parents and family were very proud of me, and we were all exited that I was picked. My friends were very happy and excited, too. My teachers were very proud because they know I am a great student.”
Perez said she is proud she has always maintained an A average throughout her elementary years.
“My goal is to continue excelling in school,” she said. “My biggest motivation is really my desire to learn and overcome challenges.”
At Norco Elementary, Perez is an active member of talented theatre, serves as president of Norco’s 4-H Club, and is the Vice President of Beta Club. She also makes and sells handmade bracelets through her business Brynlee’s Bracelet Boutique. Outside of school, Perez enjoys cheering, gymnastics, crocheting and spending time with her family and animals. She hopes to pursue a career as an engineer in the future.
Perez said she likes Norco Elementary’s focuses on safety, ownership, acceptance and respect (S.O.A.R.), and she also enjoys the many clubs for extracurricular activities.
“My favorite club is 4-H,” she said. “I love 4-H because 4-H is based on helping out in the community.”
Perez said she thinks her personality helped her stand out in the competition.
“I have been described as kind, intelligent, interesting, curious, funny, mature, and a good leader,” Perez said. “I think that these qualities helped me stand out.”
Perez’s mom, Lacey Savoie, said her daughter is full of life.
“She’s a natural leader with a determined spirit,” Savoie said. “She is also incredibly kind, loving, and shows deep empathy for others.”
When Perez and her family lost their four-year-old Corgi to an aggressive cancer last year, Perez began volunteering at the animal shelter, walking the dogs.
“Watching her grieve and work through that pain was difficult as a parent,” Savoie said. “Despite her loss, she channeled her love for animals into helping others, which has helped her heal.”
Savoie said she is most proud of Perez for always staying true to herself and confidently expressing who she is.
“As her mother, I’ve always believed she is an amazing young lady, but having others recognize that as well is truly rewarding,” she said. “We have always known Brynlee is an exceptional young lady.”
