The Webster Parish School Board has announced the Webster Parish Students of the Year for 2022. The outstanding students chosen were Presley Wood of E.S. Richardson Elementary, Shadavion Martin of Doyline High in the middle school division, and Connor Heard of Minden High. As a message posted by the school board states, “They will now advance to Regional competition in February.”
Students of the Year are selected based on their leadership, citizenship, and academic achievements. To be eligible to compete, students must maintain a 3.1 grade point average (on a four-point scale) for the three years prior to competing. Another eligibility requirement is grade level: 5th grade for elementary, 8th grade for middle school, and 12th grade for high school.
Eligible students submit portfolios containing several items: an autobiographical “sketch” which describes their family histories, interests, career aspirations, and issues that are important to them; academic records including scores from tests such as CLEP, ACT, WorkKeys or any certificates that they have earned; evidence of leadership or participation in community activities; and writing samples. The students also complete an interview process. Judges are looking for students who are honest and dependable, involved with their peers and communities, and who have outstanding communication skills both verbally and in writing.
The Regional and State competitions will be based on the same qualifications. According to the Department of Education’s guidelines for this competition, the State awards will be “presented to the twenty-one regional finalists and to the three State Students of the Year.” The State competitions are scheduled for April 13, 2022, and are traditionally held in Baton Rouge.