After turning in portfolios detailing their academic success and dedication to community/school engagement, and going through an interview process, three finalists were chosen for the 2022-23 Student of the Year competition on Jan. 13. The winners were: Khloe Kaufman for 5th Grade, Nathaniel Young for 8th Grade, and Emma Giddens for 12th Grade.
Khloe is the daughter of Eric and Melissa Kaufman, who are both alum of Northwestern State University. In her biography, Khloe said Demon pride runs deep in her blood. She is also a member of Westside Baptist Church.
“I believe that kindness is a big part of who people are,” she shared. “I hope that my light can help spread kindness in this dark and sinful world.”
Emma is the daughter of Mike and Dr. April Giddens. She is a high achiever who is committed to serving others, excelling academically, and a true teammate on and off the court. She is active in clubs including LEO, BETA, HOSA, FBLA, FCA, Chief Counsel, Tribal Chiefs, and more. More recently, she was named Miss Merry Christmas for the City’s 96th Annual Christmas Festival. She was chosen to ride in the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, Cali. She will go on to represent Louisiana at the National Mardi Gras Ball in Washington D.C. later this month.
Nathaniel is the son of professional musicians. Besides being involved in music himself, Nathaniel has a passion for the arts, cooking, and robotics. He loves to design and sketch his own planes and ships and hopes to become an aeronautical engineer.
A committee of community members interviewed each student. The committee included Reba Phelps, Katrice Below, Dennis Breland, Carmella McCart, Sarah Mallette, and Corey Poole. Student of the Year is organized by Anita Dubois.
Nominees for Student of the Year Included:
Sharon Baptiste – East
Khloe Kaufman – NSU Lab
Josiah Harris – Magnet
Jesse Clark – Marthaville
Dan Davenport – FAE
Natalie Broadway – Provencal
Bryson Carter – Goldonna
Carlie Spears – Goldonna
Gavin Franks – Lakeview Jr. High
Anna Nance – Provencal
Kamryn Brigman – Marthaville
Kylee Hickman – Magnet
Nathaniel Young – Middle Lab
Delilah Jackson – NJH
Sammya Rachal – Lakeview Sr. High
Emma Giddens – NCHS
Johnny Thai – NPTCC
