A standing room only crowd of friends, family, faculty and school board members joined together as the Natchitoches Parish School System celebrated academic excellence at its Shining Star Ceremony Thursday, January 23 at the NSU Middle Lab auditorium. The ceremony honors young scholars in grades 3 to 8 who scored among the top 5% of the students in their respective schools during the year’s state testing. One hundred fifty-eight young men and women earned honors.

In addition to the top 5% honors, awards were given in several other areas related to student achievement. Ten students earned perfect scores on their test. Fifty students were named as “Triple Advanced” students, earning the highest rating of Advanced on 3 of the 4 tests given. Three students earned Advanced ratings on all 4 tests.

After the awards were presented, the students and their families were treated to a well deserved pizza party. The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to congratulate the young men and women of our community’s public schools who so ably rose to the challenge with some truly amazing results. We would also be remiss if we did not take note of the many dedicated and able teachers and school staff members whose efforts bring out the best in our children each and every day. Lastly we would like to commend school board members Harris, Phelps, Broadway, Guidroz, Benefield, Palmer and Metoyer who took the time to attend the ceremony and shake the hand of every child. Ceremonies like this which celebrate scholastic excellence are a superb way to remind the larger community of the great things happening throughout the system.

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