Bryan Chen named LSMSA 2025–2026 Student of the Year

The Students of the Year Awards Program recognizes outstanding students in grades K–12 who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, service, citizenship, and academic or technical achievement. Students selected at the school level advance to regional and state competition.

“To me, being chosen as the Student of the Year is an honor that leaves me forever indebted to those around me,” Chen said. “Every success I’ve had comes from the support, guidance, and opportunities given by my family, friends, and teachers. LSMSA, in particular, has taught me to think more deeply, care more genuinely, and give more selflessly—to my work, to my peers, and to the community that has helped me become who I am.”

Chen serves as president of the LSMSA Math Club, where he has organized and led meetings to promote interest in mathematics and problem solving. Under his leadership, the club has grown to more than 70 members and renewed its participation in competitive programs such as Mu Alpha Theta, the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) meet, and other regional events.

Last year, Chen was named the 11th-grade Math State Champion for Beta Club and represented LSMSA at the National Beta Convention. As a member of the Natchitoches Mayor’s Youth Council, he volunteers at the Natchitoches Farmers Market, where he runs the Kids Club booth that serves nearly 500 children each season.

Chen is also a member of the Natchitoches Central High School varsity tennis team and founded LSMSA’s unofficial tennis team, where he organizes practices and helps students learn the sport.

This past summer, Chen was one of 75 students selected worldwide to attend the Wolfram Summer High School Research Program. There, he developed an independent research project, met program founder Stephen Wolfram, and ranked in the top quarter of his cohort. He was later invited to join the Wolfram Emerging Leaders Program, where he contributes to research in leg prosthetics, and was selected for teaching assistant training to return to the summer program next year as a TA.

Chen is also developing SATsaurus, a free online SAT practice resource for underprivileged students he has met through tutoring, which he plans to enter in the Congressional App Challenge. At LSMSA, he serves as a senator in the Student Government Organization, a member of the Athletic Council, a student ambassador, and a mentor on the school’s first Robotics Team.

“Bryan exemplifies the academic excellence, character, and leadership we strive to cultivate in every LSMSA student,” said Dr. Steve Horton, Executive Director and CEO of LSMSA. “He approaches learning with curiosity and compassion, and his ability to build and lead communities—whether through math, research, or service—reflects the best of what our students contribute to both campus and the state.”

 

Regional honorees in each of the three categories—Elementary, Middle/Junior High, and High School Student of the Year—will advance in the selection process. Winners at the district, regional, and state levels will be selected based on factors such as a student’s portfolio, writing samples, and interview results. Louisiana’s overall Students of the Year will be announced in spring 2026.

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is a tuition-free, public high school for high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families so that no eligible student is denied the school’s 42-year legacy of a college-level living/learning experience.

For more information about LSMSA, visit www.LSMSA.edu.