Caddo Parish student named overall Louisiana Student of the Year for elementary school
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced Friday, May 16, that Mary Mack Thornton was named the elementary school Louisiana Student of the Year.
"These students have distinguished themselves through exceptional academic performance, leadership, and service," said Louisiana Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. "They are proof that hard work and high expectations yield extraordinary results."
Thornton is a fifth grader at Eden Gardens Elementary School and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. She is also a well-rounded student who shines in the classroom, on the playing field and through her artistic interests.
Thornton is known as a natural leader and has a deep love for reading. She is aspiring to be an otolaryngologist like her father and is very passionate about childhood health and physical fitness.
'Today, we honor not only academic excellence, but the promise these students hold for Louisiana's future,' BESE President Ronnie Morris said. 'Their talent, leadership and drive inspire confidence in the next generation of Louisiana's leaders.'
Each year the LDOE selects regional honorees based on criteria that measure academic achievement, leadership, character and service to their schools and communities. Selection committees also evaluate electronic portfolios, student writing samples and conduct interviews to assess communication and critical thinking skills.
All 24 honorees were celebrated at an awards ceremony May 16 at The Cook Hotel and Conference Center in Baton Rouge. And only three students were selected as the overall Louisiana Student of the Year.
More: Check out three students from northwest Louisiana who were named honorees for Student of the Year
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Caddo student named Louisiana Student of the Year for elementary
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