Ten seniors receive special recognition

Ten members of the Class of 2017 at LSMSA were presented with special awards during the Senior Recognition Ceremony held Friday, May 19, in the A.A. Fredericks auditorium located on the campus of Northwestern State University.

The Marvin Lockhart Excellence in Work Service Award was presented to Bryce Istre of Egan, Abagael Kinney of Natchitoches and Matthew Olivier of Abbeville.

This award is presented to students who demonstrate dependability, competence and the spirit of unselfishness and cooperation in carrying out the responsibilities of the work service program. Until his untimely death in 1987, Marvin Lockhart was a fine craftsman, a skilled and energetic employee of LSMSA and a devoted and generous friend to students, staff and faculty.

Bryce Istre came to LSMSA as a junior and completed his work service obligation with a sense of pride and confidence, always putting others first.

“This young man characterizes the epitome of what a leader should be, one who goes first and leads by example, one who is trusted,” said Jenny Schmitt, assistant director of student engagement.

According to Schmitt, Abagael Kinney has grown increasingly involved in service during her three years at LSMSA.

“She is equal parts kind, capable, organized and creative, and consistently uses these skills to help others,” said Schmitt. “In addition to her strong academic skills, this student has been very active with clubs and volunteering.”

Matthew Olivier constantly has his sleeves turned up and demonstrates a belief that all work has value; that service to the community, no matter how mundane it may seem on the surface, is appreciated and should be respected.

“His sense of responsibility and commitment is rooted in his personal life and family unit and was demonstrated throughout his time at LSMSA,” said Schmitt.

Lewis Johnson of Baton Rouge and Ian Sager of Geismar were presented the Eric Candell Excellence in Physics award.

This award is given in memory of Eric Candell, a 1987 graduate of LSMSA who went on to study at Cal Tech. He was finishing a doctorate in physics at M.I.T. in 1996 when he suddenly passed away.

The Candell family established this award that has been given each year since 1996 to the senior whom the science faculty believes best exhibits excellence in physics.

“It is an honor for us to present this award to students who embody excellence by taking about as many advanced physics courses at LSMSA to have a four-year college degree in physics,” said Dr. Allison Landry, chair of the Department of Science.

Alexis Cambridge of Slidell was presented the Caroline Dorman Scholar award.

Born in Natchitoches Parish in 1888, Caroline Dorman was a well-known horticulturist, conservationist and journalist. In addition, she was a civic activist who was responsible for the establishment of the Kisatchie National Forest in central Louisiana.

“In keeping with Dorman’s broad intellectual legacy, Caroline Dorman scholars are students who have excelled in such courses as ecology, environmental science, botany and animal behavior, and who have demonstrated sensitivity to the arts and humanities through their personal interests and formal course work,” said Landry.

Genesis Lambert of Denham Springs and Gabrielle Yoes-Favrot of Gonzales were presented the Spirit of Louisiana School award.

The Spirit of Louisiana School award recognizes a student whose actions and character best exemplify the school’s spirit of hard work, perseverance, spirit of camaraderie, involvement and service to the school. This award acknowledges and celebrates the student’s unique and meaningful contribution to the school and how his or her actions have impacted and inspired peers, teachers and other members of the LSMSA community.

“In her time at LSMSA, Genesis has been nothing but a joy to work with,” said Emily Shumate, director of enrollment and student services. “She has overcome personal challenges. She has been a model student and resident. She has made us proud through her work as a member of FSP, as a member of the mixed ensemble and as an LSMSA ambassador.

“She has earned the respect of her faculty and staff and peers through hard work, determination, positive attitude, dependability and maturity and grace.”

According to Shumate, once in a while a young person comes along who demonstrates a maturity beyond her years, walking through the High School Building with a quiet and friendly confidence – touching and improving the lives of all those she encounters.

“Gabrielle is smart and gracious, humble and genuine, funny and kind,” said Shumate. “She takes her studies and ambitions seriously, but she does not take herself too seriously.”

Recipients of the Dr. Sharon Sturdivant Williams Praecellemus award were Andrew Hebert of Breaux Bridge and Johnneisha White of Church Point.

This award recognizes the immeasurable contribution of Dr. Sharon Williams, a founding member of the LSMSA administration. It is presented to a senior who throughout his or her tenure at LSMSA has exemplified the school’s motto – We Shall Excel.

Andrew Hebert established himself as a quiet leader among the senior class, excelling in a wide range of classes and demonstrating their abilities as a mentor, a tutor and club leader. His excellence in mathematics, computer science and the humanities reflects not just a varied intellectual curiosity, but also a personal sense of dedication, academic integrity and drive.

“We are confident that Andrew will continue to demonstrate the potential in his chosen field – combining mathematics, engineering and artistic design to study architecture,” said John Allen, chief of staff. “We are also appreciative of this student’s extracurricular influence in reviving a defunct student organization and facilitating the social and communal experiences of the LSMSA film club.

“We are proud and pleased to recognize the consistent excellence in the work and efforts of Andrew.”

Johnneisha White is a third-year senior and came through the EXCEL program, where she was a shy student and not sure of her place yet. In the summers she can be found either taking classes at summer school or volunteering in her home town.

“She has made her mark here at LSMSA, and both students and faculty can honestly say they are better people for having known this young woman,” said Allen. “Her cheery disposition and bright smile can improve anyone’s day.”