Two Lafayette Parish students are among the select few tapped by the Louisiana Department of Education for the Students of the Year finals. Fifth grader Adan Hyde of Ridge Elementary School and senior Karim Khattab of Lafayette High School are among 18 statewide that made the cut for the regional finalists.
The names released today from the education department are chosen among the state's six regions and students eligible include all 5th, 8th and 12th graders in public and non-public schools in the state. The finalists will be honored at the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge on April 22 for an awards ceremony and the announcement of the Students of the Year — one from each of the three grades.
Regional finalists chosen "exemplify excellence in education and are truly an example for all students to follow," according to State Superintendent John White.
According to a release from the state education department, students compete with their peers at the district level and are selected based on "criteria that measure academic achievement, leadership skills, character and service to their schools and communities." A committee also reviews a student-made portfolio of writing samples and achievements.
An interview process is the last step for candidates as well as a writing sample before the three winners are chosen.
The full list of finalists includes:
Grade 5:
Olutunmike Adeleye, Natchitoches Magnet School, NatchitochesParish
James Sanders, Fellowship Elementary School, LaSalle Parish
Adan Hyde, Ridge Elementary School, Lafayette Parish
Maya Trahan, Central Intermediate School, Central CommunitySchool System
Rhett Williams, Montegut Middle School, Terrebonne Parish
Ivan Smith, First Baptist Church School, Caddo Parish
Grade 8:
Ethan Coker, Haynesville High School, Claiborne Parish
Calyn Lamanno, Sterlington Middle School, Ouachita Parish
David Spicer, Maplewood Middle School, Calcasieu Parish
Emily Seighman, North Corbin Junior High School, LivingstonParish
Allison Picou, Houma Junior High School, Terrebonne Parish
Adeline Roemer, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School, Dioceseof Baton Rouge
Grade 12:
Vijay Letchuman, Caddo Parish Magnet High School, CaddoParish
Jeffrey Sanders, West Monroe High School, Ouachita Parish
Karim Khattab, Lafayette High School, Lafayette Parish
Victor Rushing, Live Oak High School, Livingston Parish
Parker Vige, East Ascension High School, Ascension Parish
Benjamin Maxey, Loyola College Prep, Diocese of Shreveport