St. Charles Parish Public Schools named Saniya Abbas of Destrehan High School, Layla Perkins of J.B. Martin Middle School, and Brynlee Perez of Norco Elementary as the winners of the district-wide Students of the Year contest during a Nov. 21 ceremony at the Dr. Rodney R. Lafon Performing Arts Center.
The three district winners will compete in the regional competition next year.
Saniya Abbas, a senior at Destrehan High School, speaks four languages and is currently learning American Sign Language. She is vice president for the school’s National Honor Society. She aspires to become a biomedical engineer.
Layla Perkins, an eighth grader at J.B. Martin Middle School, is an athlete, artist and author. She is passionate about mental health awareness and environmental conservation. She is Beta Club member, a cheerleader, a choir member, a Talented Art student, and a Talented Theater student. She is also a senior company ambassador at River Region Ballet.
Brynlee Perez, a fifth grader at Norco Elementary School, said her favorite subjects are math and science. She wants to be an engineer when she grows up. She enjoys cheering, gymnastics and crocheting. She also owns a business making and selling bracelets at a salon. She is president of the school’s 4-H Club and is a member of the school’s pep squad.
Student of the Year candidates must have a 3.1 cumulative grade point average or higher and must be in the fifth, eighth or twelve grades. As part of the competition, candidates compiled a portfolio, wrote a biographical sketch and participated in an interview with the Student Achievement Selection Committee.
2024-2025 School-Level Students of the Year
- Julia England – Ethel Schoeffner Elementary School
- Benjamin White – Lakewood Elementary School
- Eliana Halder – Luling Elementary School
- Brynlee Perez – Norco Elementary School
- Claire Bueche – R.J. Vial Elementary School
- Lily Taylor – St. Rose Elementary School
- Saniya Abbas – Destrehan High School
- Jessa Barnhill – Hahnville High School
- Meredith Bordelon – Albert Cammon Middle School
- Silas Pourciau – Harry Hurst Middle School
- Layla Perkins – J.B. Martin Middle School
- Remy Zeringue – R.K. Smith Middle School
