Photograph: (Courtney Jennings)
St. Landry Parish School Board held their annual Student of the Year Banquet on April 4th, Tuesday evening at Our Savior’s Church in Opelousas.
The banquet honored and recognized St. Landry Parish school-level and district Student of the Year recipients in grades 4, 5, 8, and 12th.
Parent and Engagement Coordinator Tawasha Thomas welcomed students, parents, educators, administrators, district personnel and community members. The event, however, was led by students for the first time! Honor student Kaylie Williams of Lawtell Elementary was the mistress of ceremonies for the evening.
Special guest for the evening Ms. Rose, delivered a compelling and comical speech to students and parents who were in attendance on the importance of obedience, ‘staying smart’, and the future of our children. She also addressed a need for parents to come together to form a Parent Mentor Service, as a call to action to come together and provide a service that may help encourage and influence a positive impact in the community.
Performances for the evening were provided by the Hamilton Academy of the Arts dancers and Opelousas Junior High School Band.
SLP Superintendent Patrick Jenkins and Alisha Vallien from the Governor’s Office delivered the presentation of awards, along with the Director of Special Education and St. Landry Parish School District Faculty Representatives. Awards were presented to Student of the Year recipients in recognition for exhibiting qualities and behaviors worth emulating through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
“We hope their example will encourage others to follow in their footsteps and continue to work hard and achieve great things.”
