The Lafayette Parish School System, led by Superintendent Francis Touchet, celebrated excellence in education by surprising the 2024-25 Student of the Year winners on Wednesday morning. Representing the elementary, middle, and high school levels, these exceptional students are well-rounded, straight-A achievers who excel academically and in extracurricular pursuits. Each winner will advance to compete at the zone level, with the potential to have their applications submitted for recognition at the state level, highlighting their extraordinary achievements and dedication to excellence.
Elementary Student of the Year Avery Marks
Avery Marks is a driven and ambitious 5th-grade student at Broadmoor Elementary. She is diligently working toward becoming a million-word reader, achieving Advanced scores on the LEAP test, and maintaining her place on the principal's list.
An avid equestrian, Avery shares a special bond with her horse, Pearl, and spends her free time honing her riding skills. She is also an active member of Girls on the Run, participating in 5K events to support meaningful causes, and she proudly contributes her voice as a member of the school chorus.
Avery recently showcased her leadership and advocacy skills by collaborating with fellow students to successfully petition for mirrors to be installed in the girls' bathroom at school.
Looking ahead, Avery aspires to graduate high school with a 4.0 GPA and become a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters. She hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian and a farrier.
Middle School Student of the Year Carlie Simon
Carlie Simon is an accomplished and well-rounded eighth grader at Youngsville Middle School with a passion for music, dance, and academics. A dedicated performer, she excels in ballet, piano, and clarinet. As a talented clarinetist, Carlie earned a spot in the prestigious All-Acadiana All-Star Band and will join the Youngsville Middle School Band for a performance in New York City in March 2025. She has also graced the stage in two productions of The Nutcracker with the Lafayette Ballet Theatre.
Carlie is actively involved in several school and community organizations, including Junior BETA, WISE Women of Acadiana, the math club, and 4-H, where her focus is on Health, Safety, and First Aid. Through these clubs, she has participated in remarkable projects, such as building a small remote-controlled airplane and collaborating with a commercial lab in Lafayette to engineer products from donated placentas that aid in repairing damaged human tissues.
Her love for science, mathematics, and technology inspires her academic pursuits, and she plans to continue this trajectory by earning a medical degree. Carlie’s diverse talents, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to her passions make her a standout student and leader.
High School Student of the Year Walker Prejean
Walker Prejean is an exceptional senior at Lafayette High School, distinguished by his academic achievements and leadership. With a remarkable 4.33 GPA, eight Advanced Placement credits, and a perfect 36 on the ACT, Walker exemplifies scholastic excellence.
His involvement in various campus organizations ignited a passion for Youth and Government, inspiring him to explore the intersection of environmental issues and political policy. Walker serves as an officer for the State Legislative Youth Advisory Council and contributes as a researcher for Ballotpedia, a nationally recognized political encyclopedia.
On a personal level, Walker channels his family's loss of his older brother to suicide into meaningful advocacy. As a member of the State Youth Legislative Mental Health Committee, he works to raise awareness and promote mental health resources for young people.
Walker’s aspirations include pursuing a legal career and engaging in politics, where he aims to combine his academic acumen, civic engagement, and dedication to creating positive societal change.
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