Central Names Students of the Year

Central Community School System has announced five Students of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year. Here are comments from the winners and their teachers:

Central High School honored Alexis “Lexi” David as Student of the Year. In her biography, Lexi recalls a quote from Disney’s Mulan, “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.” To everyone who knows Lexi, she is indeed a rare flower, a girl, who stands tall in the face of life’s toughest storms. Within the past five years, Lexi has lost both parents to tragic accidents, yet she continues to smile in the face of adversity, pursuing her passions for dance and musical theater while accumulating a host of scholastic honors and awards including Advanced Placement and college credit, a 4.52 GPA and the rank of second in a class of 289.

Lexi credits her success and resilience to her faith, to the example set by her parents, Travis and Kristie, and to the love and support of her family and friends. After her graduation, she plans to attend LSU’s Ogden Honors College, major in business management and minor in musical theatre. One day Lexi hopes to combine her academic ambitions with her artistic sensibility by becoming a corporate manager for Disney, the perfect place for someone like Lexi who has the courage to overcome obstacles and pursue her dreams.

Central Middle School’s Anthony Dupont was named Student of the Year. Anthony also won Student of the Year as a 5th grader at Central Intermediate School. Anthony plays the Alto Saxophone, and is First Chair in the band. In 7th grade, he received a score of 29 on the ACT, and was nationally recognized by Duke University.

Anthony has won many awards, such as the Most Talented Woodwind Player Award, the Reading, Math, ELA and Behavior Awards, and A-Honor Roll. He also works hard in his church. He plays on his Youth Worship Team, is part of the Tech Team in Children’s Church, and participates in community outreaches, such as having dinner with the homeless and making valentines for nursing home residents.

Overall, Anthony is a hard-working person who strives to pour his all into everything he does.

Ashley Stevens is Central Intermediate School’s Student of the Year. “Funny and outgoing would definitely describe me. God has given me many talents and gifts that I’m very thankful for. I believe that my relationship with the

Lord and a close bond with my family have helped shaped me into the person I am.”

Ashley is a hardworking third grader who balances church activities, school and homework, chores, rodeo competitions, and extracurricular activities. “I am a member of Bluff Creek Baptist Church where I sing in the children’s choir and participate in the Awana’s program. At school, I strive to make straight A’s and do as well as possible in all areas. Being raised on a ranch contributes to my love of horses and farm life. I also compete in several different rodeo circuits, and I am a member of the Greenwell Springs Youth Riders.”

“Since I love doing things with my family, they’ve had a major influence on my career aspirations. I dream of becoming a small and large animal veterinarian. I’d like to go to LSU’s School of Veterinarian Medicine. After I graduate, I’d love to be a traveling veterinarian with my dad where I go on farm calls in the Baton Rouge area.”

Ashley describes herself as “a smart, funny, energetic, goat loving, horse riding, cowgirl. I have a very loving personality and I strive to be the best at everything I do!”

Tanglewood Elementary’s Student of the Year is Claire Whitney. Claire entered Tanglewood Elementary this school year after moving from Pittsburgh, PA. At first, a new school and culture were very scary for Claire. With the help and encouragement from her teacher, and others, Claire has been able to blossom in her new environment.

Claire has always loved school. She is eager to learn new concepts and skills. She is a voracious reader, and enjoys making friends. She says she is kind to others and  has a compassionate heart.

Outside of school, Claire plays the piano and earned top ratings at the latest music festival at LSU. She participates in a theatre class, ballet, jazz, and tap classes.

Clair has three brothers and twosisters. She enjoys traveling with her family and learning about new places. Some of her favorite places to visit have been Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., New York City, and Niagara Falls, Canada.

Claire isn’t sure yet what she wants to be when she grows up but she is sure it will be something where she can help other people.

At Bellingrath Hills Elementary, Caleb Babin, was awarded Student of the Year. From the first day of school, Caleb has cared about his friends. He’s quick to hold a fellow classmate’s hand if he feels bad or is lonely. He loves school and is the first to cheer for his classmates when they experience success. Caleb’s love for people can also be seen in his career choice. He said, “When I grow up, I want to be a ‘hospitaler’ so I can check people’s throats, and give them shots, and check their brains.” Caleb is a wonderful student who will make a positive difference in our world.