Class of 2025 celebrates graduation at LSMSA’s 41st Commencement Ceremony

5/21/2025

NATCHITOCHES, LA - Ninety-one seniors from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) graduated during the school’s 41st Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2025 in Prather Coliseum on the campus of Northwestern State University.

After acknowledging school administrators, board members, department heads, and other key supporters on stage, Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton invited former state senator Donald G. Kelly forward. Senator Kelly is the last surviving member of the original group that helped establish the Louisiana School in 1982. At its March 2025 meeting, the school’s governing board voted unanimously to award him the honorary Louisiana School diploma—an honor that has previously been granted only three times, all posthumously.

Raven Valentine then delivered the senior address, reflecting on the challenges of pursuing one’s passion and urging classmates to embrace struggle as a sign of authenticity and growth. Highlighting the effort and resilience of her peers, she reminded graduates that fulfillment often comes through perseverance.

“Doing what you love will challenge you. It’ll make you question yourself. It’ll demand more from you than you thought you could give. But that’s how you know it’s authentic,” she said.

Keynote Speaker and a member of LSMSA’s very first graduating class in 1985, Dr. Renu Chalasani reflected on the transformative journey shared with her 199 classmates. She credited the faculty for their unwavering support and emphasized the deep bonds formed among students, calling them a family shaped by both academic and personal growth.

Challenging her fellow graduates to embrace the future with purpose, she said, “Walk through those doors today and take life by the horns. Fight your fight. Work hard. Go make a difference because the world needs you.”

Of the 91 graduating seniors moving on to the next stage of their lives, 68 percent will attend 12 colleges and universities in Louisiana while 29 percent are headed to 28 different universities throughout the US and abroad. Collectively they have been awarded over $26.1 million in merit-based scholarships. This is in addition to nearly 2,500 hours of college credit earned through articulation agreements and dual enrollment credits, which over 87 percent of students took advantage of.

“You’ll come to bring esteem and distinction to your alma mater just as all of our graduates have done for now over four decades,” said Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton. “As you serve in your communities, your country and humanity in various diverse careers and professions, remember that is your responsibility. I challenge this class to continue excelling, to keep learning and serving, and to know that Louisiana School will always be here for you.”

ABOUT LSMSA

LSMSA’s commencement began in Prather in 1985 with 172 members of the first graduating class. 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, or to apply for the Fall ‘25 academic school year, visit www.LSMSA.edu.

For more information, or to apply for admission to LSMSA, visit www.LSMSA.edu/apply.

Back

NEWS ARCHIVE >

Senior speaker Raven Valentine reflected on the challenges of following one’s passion, encouraging classmates to embrace struggle as a path to growth and fulfillment.
Former State Senator Donald G. Kelly, the last surviving founder of the Louisiana School, was awarded an honorary LSMSA diploma.
Ninety-one seniors from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) graduated during the school’s 41st Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2025 in Prather Coliseum on the campus of Northwestern State University.
Keynote speaker and Class of 1985 alumna Dr. Renu Chalasani reflected on LSMSA’s impact, praising faculty support and the lasting family-like bonds formed among the school’s first graduating class.
Ninety-one seniors received their diplomas during the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts’ 41st Commencement Ceremony, held May 17, 2025, at Prather Coliseum.
LSMSA’s commencement began in Prather in 1985 with 172 members of the first graduating class.
The LSMSA Chorale sand "An Irish Blessing" at the end of the 41st Commencement Ceremony, held May 17, 2025, at Prather Coliseum. The Chorale was accompanied by Conductor Gregory Wascoe and the LSMSA Mixed Ensemble, conducted by Michael Young.

1/7

Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts

715 University Parkway
Natchitoches, LA 71457
T: 318.357.2500 Toll Free: 800.259.3173 | F: 318.357.3189
Contact Us | Report Possible Fraud or Abuse |
National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Search

Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is the preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for Louisiana's high-achieving, highly-motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures the program is available to all qualifying students regardless of family financial need.