Baton Rouge - The Louisiana Department of Education named its 24 finalists for the 2025 Louisiana Students of the Year competition. The honorees include one 5th, 8th, and 12th grader from each of the state’s eight BESE regions. Finalists will convene 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 from each grade.
“ Congratulations to each of our finalists. They represent the very best of Louisiana’s young scholars and leaders,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “We are proud to recognize academic excellence and look forward to celebrating with these students, their families, and educators in May.”
Finalists for 2025 Louisiana Students of the Year included Region 3: Anniston Elizabeth Guidry, Teche Elementary School, Grade 5.
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 electronic portfolios of accomplishments, along with student writing samples and interviews to assess the communications and critical thinking skills of each candidate.
Finalists were selected among student of the year winners from schools across the state. All Louisiana schools were eligible to submit one candidate. Students compete with their peers at the school system level and may advance to the zone and regional competitions. Prior to selecting the three state winners, the state selection committee will conduct interviews and review a writing sample from each of the finalists as well as their portfolios.
